Celtic news bulletin as Paulo Bernardo sets focus amid big deal swirls while Ugurcan Cakir breaks silence

Paulo Bernardo is remaining coy on speculation over his future with reports stating Celtic are looking to make his move permanent.

Instead the midfielder has set his focus on the Portugal U21 side after being handed the captain's armband for the clash with Croatia. The midfielder is currently on a season-long loan from Benfica which includes a clause that means a £6million bid would be enough to get Bernardo around the table to discuss making a longer-term switch to the Scottish Premiership leaders.

Reports in Portugal suggest Celtic would like to make the deal permanent but want to negotiate with the Lisbon giants on the asking price to get the move over the line. The Hoops are likely to press pause on the talks amid the title fight with Rangers - and Bernardo is keeping his focus on his own form during the international break. The stand-in skipper reckons that his form under Brendan Rodgers is what has seen him handed the armband.

He said: "I'm very proud to be able to captain the team at this stage. It means that I'm also doing things well personally. I try to demonstrate to the younger ones how to play your best. I want to show that it is always a pride to represent our country and we have I always have to do it in the best possible way."

Elsewhere, Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Ugurcan Cakir as they ramp up their search for Joe Hart's successor. However, they face a tough job to lands the Trabzonspor goalkeeper as he appeared to pledge his future to the club.

Cakir has been with his current club for 12 years and had been widely expected to move on this summer for a new challenge despite having three years left on his current contract. However, speaking to Gunebakis he appears to have distance himself from