Sources: Brighton set sights on Celtic star who's close to Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton have set their sights on a summer move for Celtic star Reo Hatate, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League high-fliers have watched the 25-year-old regularly this season and have been left impressed with his performances.
They are now keen to formalise their interest by swooping in for Hatate during the off-season.
The Japanese international is a former teammate and close friend of Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma - with the pair both securing exits from Kawasaki Frontale in the 2021-22 campaign.
Hatate has grown into an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's side since joining Celtic last year (2022) and has made 38 appearances across all competitions this term.
The midfielder, who is under contract at Parkhead until May 2026, has notched eight goals and nine assists in those outings.
He has also played at right-back for the Hoops this term - and previously filled in as a left-back and left-winger during his time in Japan.
Brighton could offer European football to Hatate this summer if they can maintain the stunning form which leaves them sixth in the Premier League with 11 games left to play.
Mitoma has been a revelation for the south coast club, scoring 10 and assisting seven in his first season in English football.
Football Insider revealed last month (19 March) that Brighton have opened contract talks with Mitoma to fend off interest from Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Celtic's domestic success in the 2022-23 campaign has not prevented stars from pushing for moves south of the border.
Sources told this site on Wednesday (5 April) that the Hoops expect Liel Abada to leave the club for a fee of around £10million this summer amid interest from Premier League sides.