Celtic 'locked in' Paulo Bernardo transfer talks with Benfica to clear permanent move hurdle

Celtic are reportedly in talk with Benfica to negotiate a "smaller" fee for Paulo Bernardo.

The midfielder has brought the curtain down on season-long loan from the Lisbon giants with a Premiership and Scottish Cup winners medal in his pocket - but the future of the 22-year-old remains up in the air. The loan contract between Celtic and Benfica includes a clause that means a £6million bid would be enough to bring the Portugal U21 international back to Glasgow's east end on a permanent basis.

A report in Portugal has now claimed that Celtic are not willing to meet the option-to-buy clause for the midfielder as it stands. Bernardo scored in a crucial New Year victory over Rangers in the Premiership race while playing a pivotal role in securing the Scottish Cup with his impact of the bench - while also gaining experience in the Champions League featuring in all six of the team’s group-stage matches.

However, he has not been a regular stater for most of the season. A Bola report that the Scottish champions are in talks over buying Bernardo for a "smaller" fee. It is said the two parties are still "trying to negotiate" a deal.

Captain Callum McGregor is among Bernardo's admirers, stating: "He has big technical quality, he is a young kid who wants to do well. So that is the type of profile we want at the club. Hopefully we can bring him back. He is a great lad as well. He works ever so hard and he is a part of the group we have got."