Left-back remains a priority heading into the final hours of the window, with Celtic also repelling late interest from Leeds United for midfielder Matt O’Riley.
It almost seems like a throwaway detail after the Palma story but ‘three or four signings’ is bound to intrigue supporters as does the reference to Brendan Rodgers when the Celtic boss has firmly put recruitment matters down as the responsibility of Mark Lawwell.
Following the Glasgow Derby Celtic don’t play again until September 16 when they host Dundee which probably eases the decision on Hatate for Ibrox.
Football’s biggest club competition would expose a new-look Rangers team to the kind of searing heat which sent Greek sunbathers running for cover.