Celtic are bracing themselves for Parkhead favourite Reo Hatate to be the subject of bids during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
The midfielder only joined the Bhoys from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale earlier this year, but his impressive spell in Scotland may lead to clubs testing the Glasgow giants' resolve.
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What's the latest news involving Hatate?
Hatate has made 15 appearances since the season got underway, but he and his team-mates were left disappointed earlier this week.
Celtic's hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages ended when they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig at Parkhead.
However, Hatate - whose switch from Japan cost the Bhoys £1.4million - has been in fine form since linking up with the Scottish Premiership outfit.
The 24-year-old has found the back of the net six times and registered a further five assists in 36 outings, much to the pleasure of boss Ange Postecoglou.
Hatate also got his hands on the Scottish top flight title just a matter of months after arriving in Glasgow, having already enjoyed success in his homeland.
What has Anthony Joseph said about Hatate?
Joseph would not be shocked if clubs headed to the negotiating table and attempted to lure Celtic into selling Hatate in the coming months.
The Sky Sports journalist believes the Parkhead star could put himself firmly in the shop window if he heads to the World Cup.
Joseph told GIVEMESPORT: "It wouldn't surprise me after going out of the Champions League and let's see how the World Cup goes.
"The World Cup and playing in the Champions League will be a huge thing for the likes of Hatate, Josip Juranovic and Jota."
Will Hatate be involved at the World Cup?
Although Japan qualified for the World Cup - where they are set to compete with Spain, Costa Rica and Germany in Group E - it is not a foregone conclusion that Hatate will earn a call-up.
That is because, despite his outstanding form for Celtic, he has only claimed one international cap and that outing came back in March.
Postecoglou, who is into his second season at the Bhoys' helm after being appointed as their manager last year, has hinted that Hatate could miss out.
He has claimed that the World Cup, which gets underway in Qatar next month, may 'come a little too early for him' due to being viewed as not having enough experience.
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