Hatate rejects Celtic exit options - gossip

What the report says

BBC Sport’s football gossip round-up reports that Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has rejected interest from clubs in Austria, Greece and the United States. The article says the 28-year-old Japan international prefers to keep his career ambitions focused on one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to the cited reports.

The piece also notes separate transfer activity involving several Scottish clubs. Celtic are said to have held discussions about Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth, while Rangers are linked with a move for Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy and are reportedly close to completing a loan deal for Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic.

Elsewhere in the Scottish game, Hibernian are described as nearing an agreement to sign striker Colton Swan from Charleston Battery after the USL Championship season ends in November. Kilmarnock are reportedly set to take Hull City defender Cathal McCarthy on loan, and St Johnstone are said to be moving towards a free transfer for German striker Danny Schmidt following his departure from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The roundup also includes comment that Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson supports Kevin Nisbet’s chances of a Scotland recall, and a separate note that former referee Bobby Madden believes Celtic’s second goal in a League Cup win over Dundee United should have been ruled out. As a gossip digest, the item compiles reported developments rather than official club confirmation.