PAULO BERNARDO is on the brink of a permanent return to Celtic.
The Portuguese playmaker has been at the centre of intense negotiations between the champions and Benfica in recent weeks and it looks as though the deal is about to be sealed.
Bernardo’s loan contract at Parkhead last season was reported to have an option to buy with the price pegged at £6.3million for the 22-year-old middle-of-the-park performer.
The Hoops hierarchy believed the fee was excessive and have been locked in talks with their Lisbon counterparts. A price tag of £3.5million has been mentioned with the Portuguese giants receiving an incentive package of add-ons and a sell-on percentage.
ON THE BALL…Paulo Bernardo in action in the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers are Hampden on May 25 when he played a major role in Adam Idah’s late winner.
Bernardo, who scored four goals in 33 appearances in all competitions, has now departed his club’s training base and could be heading for Scotland, as reported in local sports media Ojogo.
The stylish operator, who is under contract until June 2027, has also been left out of the squad for a friendly against Celta Vigo which could be another indication his switch is about to get the green light.
Brendan Rodgers is also hoping to get a deal for Denmark’s legendary keeper Kasper Schmeichel over the line.
The 37-year-old netminder, who is a free agent after leaving Anderlecht, appears keen to reunite with his former Leicester City manager in Glasgow.
The champions are still attempting to come to a financial agreement with Norwich City over Republic of Ireland international striker Adam Idah who scored nine goals – including the Scottish Cup winner – in his 19 loan appearances after arriving from the East Anglian club in January.
The Hoops have also shipped out two forwards with South Korean hitman Oh Hyeon-gyu moving to Belgian club Genk, as CQN reported, and Sead Haksabanovic heading for Sweden’s Malmo.
Australian winger Marco Tilio has also extended his temporary transfer with former outfit Melbourne City for another season.
