Paulo Bernardo to Celtic transfer 'locked in' as fee and contract length revealed

Paulo Bernardo's permanent transfer to Celtic has been "agreed" according to reports in Portugal.

The Scottish Premiership champions have been in talks with Benfica for several weeks over bringing the midfielder back to Parkhead after his successful loan spell last season. A fee of €6million was included in that initial agreement, but the Hoops were keen to negotiate that down and now Mais Futebol claim both parties are now happy with a deal that will see Celtic pay €3million to sign Bernardo on a five-year deal, which is thought to include a sell-on clause.

He would become Brendan Rodgers' third signing of the summer, but his first outfield addition after the capture of goalkeepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo. However, Bernardo's return could still be a precursor to Matt O'Riley's departure. The Dane is a man in demand with Atalanta having had to bids booted out while Southampton are also keen to try and nab him. Rodgers insists he is calm about the situation but did admit every player has their price.

That suggests an increased bid from either of the interest parties will be considered as the Celtic boss made specific reference to the wages on offer should O'Riley decide to move on. A chunk of any fee the Celts may bank could help fund a move for Norwich City frontman Adam Idah.

Like Bernardo, Idah shone on loan in green and white last term but a deal with Norwich is proving tricky to strike. The Canaries are understood to be seeking around £8million to let him leave.

A move for USA international Tanner Tessmann could also kick into gear. Rodgers responded to rumours that the midfielder was a target but describing them as just that, but didn't definitelvely deny that Celtic were interested in the