Celtic transfer news as Paulo Bernardo sparks confusion and Ko Itakura audition goes to plan

Celtic have been linked with Benfica star Paulo Bernardo in recent weeks, but the rumours seem to have been played down in his homeland.

The star made his way through Benfica's youth ranks and is now tied to the side with a release clause as high as £85million.

Previous reports suggested that the Hoops had been looking into a £7m loan-to-buy deal for Benfica midfielder after the success of Jota - who Record Sport revealed is locked in talks with the club over a return.

But reports from Portugal are now claiming that - at this point - there are negotiation taking place between the Portuguese giants and Scottish champions over Bernardo.

Elsewhere Celtic are in for a busy summer and they've been linked with several different left-back options such as Mohanad Jeahze to attacking midfielders like Bayern Munich’s Christopher Scott.

Ange Postecoglou' s side are also said to be interested in Schalke star Rabbi Matondo - alongside city rivals Rangers.

The Welsh winger spent last season on loan at Cercle Brugge and is now back in Germany.

90min report that remaining with Die Konigsblauen isn’t an option and the Guardian claim that the Glasgow duo are keen.

Matondo has been with Schalke since 2019 when he arrived from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side.

But the 21-year-old has since made only made 30 league appearances.

According to WAZ , Schalke are looking to offload Matondo in the last 12 years of his contract, and Celtic are said to be ‘very interested’.

Man City defender Ko Itakura has also been rumoured with a move to Glasgow's east end.

The Japan international impressed on Monday alongside Celtic pair Kyogo and Daizen Maeda during a glamorous friendly with Brazil.

The sides were separated by a late Neymar