Burnley complete late swoop for Celtic midfielder

Burnley have secured a last minute deadline day deal for Celtic’s Reo Hatate.

The Japanese international arrives at Turf Moor for an undisclosed fee and signs a three-year contract.

A central midfielder, the 28-year-old brings some much-needed bolstering to an area of the pitch where Burnley have struggled so far this season.

Hatate made over 190 appearances across a four-year spell at Glasgow Park, scoring 33 times.

"This is a great move for me,” Hatate said. “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."

Following Zian Flemming’s 11pm move to Ipswich Town, Burnley fans will be frustrated they’ve not been able to find a direct replacement for their talismanic striker.

The Dutchman has completed a permanent move to Portman Road for a total package believed to be in the region of £20m.

It’s understood the Tractor Boys are paying an up front £17m, although the remaining £3m is being described as “hard to reach” by reports in Suffolk.

Speaking during his pre-Middlesbrough press conference earlier today, Burnley boss Nicky Hayen said the club would look to find a replacement for Flemming in the event of his sale.

“If he goes, and I say if he goes, I think we have to find a replacement,” he said.

“We're always busy with options, so if one player goes we also have a list that another player has to come so that's common business as usual.”

But with the window now shut, it appears the Clarets have been left empty-handed in their search for another number nine.

Elsewhere on deadline day, Igor Julio arrived on a permanent deal from Brighton, while Leeds United’s Largie Ramazani joined on an initial season-long loan, with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Joe Worrall also departed to join Wrexham in a £2m permanent deal.