Noel Whelan has been reacting to Celtic’s reported swoop for former Leeds United midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed

Celtic don’t seem to be wasting any time when it comes to getting a head-start on their January business.

Ideguchi could well be one of the first to arrive at Parkhead in 2022, with the Hoops reportedly agreeing on terms with Gamba Osaka in recent days for the 25-year-old.

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A medical has been pencilled in before the end of the month, with hopes of a transfer being finalised ahead of January 1.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan, who regularly contributes for BBC Radio Leeds, was talking to Football Insider regarding the update on Ideguchi.

Here is what he had to say in reply about the 25-year-old, backing Ange Postecoglou to bring out the ‘superstar’ in the Japan international.

“He was one of these players that came into Leeds United that no one ever saw

“As soon as he came in he was sent out on loan.

“Look, Postecoglou has obviously done his homework. He knows of the player

“Where would he fit in the team? Well, he’s an attacking midfield player. We had so many high hopes and heard rave reviews when he came into Leeds. He was the next star.

“It didn’t really materialise but maybe Postecoglou can get the best out of him and find the position that’s going to bring out that superstar status when he signed for Leeds.

“Right now, you can’t question the signings that he’s made.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Postecoglou has relied heavily on Callum McGregor, Tom Rogic and David Turnbull in midfield this season, with summer signing James McCarthy struggling at the beginning of his Parkhead career.

The Irishman has struggled ‘in training with the pace and intensity of Postecoglou’s sessions and the demands of his midfielders’ and has been restricted to just five starts in all competitions.

On that basis, bringing in Ideguchi, who can play in a central or attacking midfield role, could be a shrewd move in the long run to bolster Celtic’s ranks in the middle of the park.

In other news: Celtic allegedly now looking at signing 34-assist ace in January; he’s his agency’s biggest star