Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has delayed contract talks until after the transfer window closes, according to the Scottish Daily Mail reporter Stephen McGowan.

The reliable journalist has played down suggestions that the Japanese international has rejected a new deal but it is clear that the player is keeping his options open.

Hatate has attracted interest from south of the border, with both Brighton and Tottenham having been credited with an interest over the past couple of months. However, it is believed that the most concrete offers have come from Saudi Arabia.

Luckily for Hoops supporters, the 25-year-old is not interested in making the move to the Middle East so, if he does leave Parkhead in the future, it will be for a team in England or mainland Europe.

Hatate has decided not to follow in the footsteps of his Japanese teammates

Both Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have put pen to paper on fresh contracts recently, despite only being with Celtic for a year.

Handing both players improved deals reinforced their commitment to the club and meant that their heads weren’t turned by offers from other countries. Hatate has seemingly opted for a ‘wait and see’ approach instead.

Celtic fans won’t see Hatate in action for a while

There was already some speculation about the midfielder’s future even before this news about his contract situation broke, with manager Brendan Rodgers having kept him out of the starting lineup for the first two league matches.

However, Hatate sustained a calf injury after coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Aberdeen, and he is not expected to return to fitness until after the next international break. That may prove to be fortunate timing for the player, who will be taken out of the limelight while his future is potentially decided.