REO HATATE could emerge as a target for Brighton again after manager Roberto De Zerbi revealed he is in the market for a midfielder.
The Celtic midfielder has been linked with the Premier League club in the past and it’s a team he knows well, having attended several of their matches as he’s close pals with Kaoru Mitoma.
Kenny RamsayReo Hatate has been a target for Brighton in recent months[/caption]
PAThe midfielder could be eyed as Moises Caicedo’s replacement[/caption]
Hatate, 25, was a key figure in Ange Postecoglou‘s side since joining 18 months ago but he has yet to make his mark under Brendan Rodgers.
The Japanese international struggled with his form in pre-season and there’s been talk of him being unsettled at Parkhead.
He then appeared off the bench in the opening game of the season against Ross County last week as David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley were given the nod alongside skipper Callum McGregor in midfield.
Celtic will want to hold onto the centre-mid this summer after already losing Carl Starfelt and Jota to Celta Vigo and Al-Ittihad.
Liel Abada has also been linked with a move away but Rodgers is looking to add more quality to his squad, not lose it.
However, Brighton could be tempted to make a big-money offer for Hatate with Moises Caicedo seemingly heading for the exit door.
Liverpool had agreed a £111million deal for the midfielder but it’s suggested that his preferred move would be Chelsea.
The 21-year-old will leave Brighton this summer barring any last-minute hitches though – and manager De Zerbi insists he will sign a replacement.
Asked about his upcoming transfer business, the boss said: “I’m really proud of the players we have in the squad.
“We have to complete the squad. We want to improve the squad because we lost Mac Allister, Colwill, maybe we lose Caicedo, but we have to be ready.
“When players leave it’s because they played well, but the credit goes to the players, the club and the coaches. The big clubs can buy the players, but they can’t buy our soul and spirit. That’s not on the market when they leave.
“We don’t have enough yet, we need to complete the squad. I want players who want to come here.
“We are Brighton, we achieved a big target last year – the same as Liverpool, better than Chelsea. I would like players who are proud to play in Brighton.”
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