Hoops transfer news: Celtic are 'confident' of signing Jota this summer

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Celtic are confident of completing a permanent deal to sign Jota.

The young winger is currently on a season-long loan deal from Benfica and has been enjoying a fine campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

The 22-year-old arrived with an underwhelming record in Portugal having scored just twice and added three assists in 34 appearances. But since putting on a Celtic shirt, Jota has been anything but.

He didn’t manage to get in on the act against Rangers last Wednesday or the hammering at Motherwell four days later, but his goal contribution record has been exceptional. In 24 outings in all competitions, he’s scored eight goals and laid on a further seven assists, including four in the Europa League.

Such is Jota’s form, he’s established himself as a regular part of Postecoglou’s side, who are now leaders of the Scottish Premiership following their recent Old Firm derby victory, while they’ve already secured the Scottish League Cup and remain in the Europa Conference League and Scottish FA Cup.

With Jota a key part of their success under the Australian this season, they’ve already been in talks about turning his loan deal into a permanent one, with an option to buy clause included in the deal.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic were in talks with Benfica last month, although they were unable to reach successful talks and Jota remains in Glasgow on a temporary basis.

But O’Rourke is confident that Celtic will eventually sign the Portugal Under-21 international.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Celtic are confident they can get this deal done. There wasn’t any major urgency to do it in January.”

Despite already securing silverware and on course to add more, Postecoglou was in no mood to cut any