How Burnley beat local rivals Blackburn Rovers to Reo Hatate deadline day deal

Burnley hijacked a deadline day move for Reo Hatate from under the noses of their fierce rivals Blackburn Rovers, it’s emerged.

As first revealed by talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, the 28-year-old was en-route to Ewood Park to complete a medical before clinching a loan move from Celtic.

But the Clarets swooped in at the last minute to seal a permanent swoop for the Japanese international for a reported £6.5m fee, plus add-ons.

The fact that Hatate was already on his way to Ewood Park made little difference given the 15-mile distance between the two grounds.

The move to Blackburn was at such an advanced stage, club staff were waiting for him to arrive at a hospital for his medical, only for Hatate to never turn up.

It will add extra spice to the East Lancashire derby when Rovers travel to Turf Moor on November 22.

Blackburn famously haven’t beaten Burnley since 2010, a run that includes 11 games in league and cup.

The central midfielder, who made over 190 appearances for Celtic over a four-year spell, has agreed a three-year contract at Turf Moor.

Hatate brings some much-needed bolstering to an area of the pitch where Burnley have struggled so far this season.

"This is a great move for me,” Hatate said of his switch to Burnley. “It's my first time playing in England and it's a fantastic club to be joining.

"I'm hoping to bring my experience and knowledge to the dressing room and help the team on the pitch as much as possible to achieve our aim."