Celtic’s proposed signing of Vissel Kobe defender Yuki Kobayashi ‘should go ahead’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 22-year-old is set to join the Japanese contingent at Parkhead in the fast-approaching January transfer window as Ange Postecoglou continues the overhaul of his first-team squad.

What is the latest news involving Kobayashi?

Postecoglou was asked about the speculation surrounding Kobayashi’s potentially imminent arrival, and he gave a surprisingly honest answer.

“We have gone early on the January market, haven’t we? It’s just into November, so I’ve a lot of talking about that ahead,” admitted the Australian tactician.

“As I said before we have a strategy in place which I am really comfortable with in terms of making sure we are always looking to improve our squad and improve the way we do things.”

Vissel Kobe, via the Daily Record, have announced that Kobayashi is poised to join Celtic on a free transfer when his contract expires in January.

The former Japan Under-21 international will join up with compatriots Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi should he make the switch to the Glasgow giants.

What has Jones said about Kobayashi?

Jones believes that Celtic fans ‘should be excited’ by the prospect of Kobayashi joining Postecoglou’s setup and is confident that the deal will be completed.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I think this one should go ahead, and Celtic fans should be excited by it.

“He’ll add a real steel to the squad and the team, and he can also dictate games, which is something that would be really interesting to see.”

Where would Kobayashi fit in at Celtic?

Postecoglou currently has the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Moritz Jenz, Carl Starfelt and Stephen Welsh to call upon at centre-back.

However, Jenz is only on loan from Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient, and it remains to be seen if Celtic trigger their option to sign the German defender on a permanent deal next summer.

The arrival of Kobayashi would provide Postecoglou with a left-footed option in central defence, though, something he currently lacks.

That could be a very appealing element to a manager who likes to utilise possession and play out from the back, allowing Celtic to develop the play down the left-hand side with greater ease.

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