Celtic get huge signing encouragement after key target's club make contract admission

Celtic could add a centre-back in the January transfer window with the J1 League set to be exploited once more.

Celtic could add to their squad in January. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at the club, the Scottish champions have taken advantage of the Japanese market, adding the likes of Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda with all making a strong impact.

Another could be added next month with Celtic strongly linked with centre-back Yuki Kobayashi. The versatile defender who can also play at left-back is out of contract at the end of January. His club side Vissel Kobe are keen to keep him with the 22-year-old having played 41 times this past season but accept it is not a likely scenario. According to a report in Japan, an official from the club admitted: “It's hard to keep him now."

Ange Postecoglou has spoken of the preparation the recruitment team have undertaken ahead of the window with the club likely to add to the squad.