FILIPE JOTA edged closer to a permanent move to Celtic after reports emerged in Portugal he was poised to quit Benfica.
The Hoops are ready to trigger the £6.5million option in the winger’s loan contract – and the 23-year-old fans’ favourite looks likely to remain at Parkhead, according to media outlet Jornal Noticias.
Reportedly, Jota sees his future in Glasgow and has already informed the Lisbon giants of his decision.
DERBY DELIGHT…Filipe Jota races ahead of Borna Barisic to divert Daizen Maeda’s left-wing cross into the net in the 1-1 weekend draw at Parkhead.
Ange Postecoglou is looking ahead for the new campaign and the Portuguese ace, as well as other loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers, are in his plans.
It’s no surprise the Greek-Australian gaffer is eager to get Jota’s future settled, as CQN reported last November after the touchline star’s initial impact as he hit the ground running in Scotland.
Jota scored his 12th goal of the campaign when he knocked Daizen Maeda’s left-wing cross past Allan McGregor to put the Hoops ahead in the 1-1 derby draw on Sunday.
According to the new Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt is in the midst of finalising his squad plans for next term and an early decision could be made on the tricky wide Bhoy before his temporary contract expires at the end of this month.
Jota has thrived at Celtic following his disappointment of the previous season when he was on loan at Spanish outfit Vallodolid who struggled throughout and were eventually relegated from La Liga.
Now he is on the brink of picking up a Premiership title medal with the team six points ahead with only three games to play.
