Late-night news: Celtic set to finalise deal for 'terrific' starlet; it could be done this week

Celtic are reportedly expecting Jota to sign a permanent contract with the club, and it could be finalised as early as this week, according to the Daily Record.

The 23-year-old joined the Premiership side on a season-long loan from Benfica last summer, and as part of his deal, it is claimed that there is a purchase option for a fee believed to be in the region of just over £6m.

During his spell with the Glasgow giants, the forward has made 40 appearances under Ange Postecoglou across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and registering 14 assists (as per Transfermarkt). Such form has clearly caught the eye of the Hoops’ hierarchy, who are now keen to retain Jota’s services outright.

In an article from the Daily Record late on Tuesday night, it is claimed that the 23-year-old’s representatives are ‘due to hold a final round of talks’ with Celtic, which should see a permanent transfer completed over the next few days.

The report added that the Parkhead hierarchy have now ‘exercised’ the option to buy and have ‘all but agreed’ personal terms with the player ahead of his permanent move to Glasgow.

Jota has been a key figure in Celtic’s success this season, so it comes as no surprise to see that Postecoglou wants to keep him at the club for next term and beyond.

The £4.95m-rated talisman has proven to be a huge threat in the final third this season, averaging 2.7 shots, two key passes and 1.7 dribbles per league game (via WhoScored), making himself a real handful for opposition defenders to try and handle. Indeed, of the current Celtic squad, only David Turnbull achieved a higher WhoScored rating, illustrating the Portuguese gem’s importance to the side.

He was also hailed as a “terrific” and “clinical” player by Owen Hargraves