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The Daily Record reports that Panathinaikos are showing strong interest in Reo Hatate this summer, with the Japanese midfielder expected to depart before the transfer window closes. Mika Baur was expected to be Hatate’s replacement and, having already joined Celtic, it now looks increasingly likely that Hatate could leave. However, the Greek side will face competition from clubs in Saudi Arabia and a number of leagues across Europe. Celtic’s asking price for the Japanese playmaker is said to be in the seven-figure range. Unless that valuation is met, though, he will not leave this summer. Hatate has found himself behind a number of players in the middle of the park and still has two years remaining on his current deal, leaving Celtic in a strong bargaining position. Any transfer fee would further boost Martin O’Neill’s transfer budget in what has already been a blockbuster summer, with quality prioritised over quantity so far. Celtic’s main focus in the transfer market is Wednesday night’s Champions League play-off first leg against LASK at Celtic Park. It has been a summer of high turnover, but week by week it looks as though Celtic are set to come out of it far stronger and make a long-awaited European run under Martin O’Neill. The Hoops board are showing that when they have a manager they fully trust, they are willing to back him.