Reo Hatate departure looms as Celtic accelerate Jakob Breum transfer

Reo Hatate's departure from Celtic now looks inevitable as the club have his replacement lined up.

Dutch magazine VI report that Celtic have revived their interest in Go Ahead Eagles midfielder Jakob Breum, who will cost £4.4million.

The 22-year-old was targeted by Celtic in the January transfer window, and can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide.

Hatate has already expressed his desire to leave Celtic after four years at the club, and signing Breum would signal the club's intentions of rebuilding the squad.

28-year-old Hatate was signed under Ange Postecoglou, but the midfielder has struggled to return to his best form since Martin O'Neill joined the club.

Martin O'Neill deal could be behind Reo Hatate exit plea

O'Neill has agreed to remain at Celtic on a permanent basis on a one-year deal following his successful spell as interim boss.

That decision by the Parkhead board will further push Hatate closer to the exit door, as the Japan international found playing time limited towards the end of the season under O'Neill.

Hatate only made two appearances in Celtic's final seven matches of the campaign, and was not in the matchday squad for either the Scottish Premiership title decider against Hearts or the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline.

When selected, Hatate only contributed two goals and two assists in the league, whilst target Breum can add a bigger goal threat.

Breum scored six goals, and registered five assists in 24 starts as Go Ahead Eagles finished 12th in the Eredivisie table.

Celtic plotting move for second midfield target

Sources told Football Insider that Celtic also have Gyor midfielder Milan Vitalis on their radar this summer.

With the futures of Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels, and Paul Bernardo all uncertain, it is likely that O'Neill will have to sign more than one midfielder in the transfer window.

Vitalis has impressed Celtic scouts with his performances in Hungary, but the Hoops will face competition for the 24-year-old.

Celtic have the financial power to back O'Neill in the market, and supporters will want to see ambition to replace players like Hatate following their view that the club did not strengthen the squad last summer.