Reo Hatate has informed Celtic that he wants to leave the club this summer.
One of the first signings of the Ange Postecoglou era the Japanese midfielder has claimed five league titles, three Scottish Cup and two League Cup medals, making 189 appearances.
Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022, Hatate remains under contract until 2028.
A largely unused substitute as Martin O’Neill’s side pushed towards a league and cup double in the final weeks of the season, the 28-year-old believes that a transfer would be best for both parties. And Celtic have been made aware of his wish to go.
As Herald Sport first revealed, O’Neill is set to be confirmed as permanent manager on a one-year contract with the option for another 12 months.
Already attracting interest from elsewhere, Hatate has yet to draw any firm offers but will be one of a growing number of players to leave Parkhead as a summer rebuild gets underway.
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Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and defender Stephen Welsh have already left the club while question marks remain over the future of Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Countryman Daizen Maeda also looks to have played his final game after a move to Wolfsburg fell through last summer.
Belgian midfielder Arne Engels has been linked with a move to Italian giants AC Milan after a deadline-day £25million move to Nottingham Forest fell through in January.
Maik Nawrocki will be allowed to leave while January loan signings Julian Araujo, Tomas Cvancara, Benjamin Arthur, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka have also returned to their parent clubs.
Reports in Japan claim, meanwhile, that defender Hayato Inamura has also agreed a £1.5million move to FC Tokyo.
