Celtic and Benfica have reportedly agreed a fee for Paulo Bernardo. The Scottish Champions have had a £4.2m bid accepted by the Portuguese side for their midfield talent. The U21 Internationalist is keen on a move back to Celtic having impressed on loan last season.
According to Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol, a fee has been agreed but the clubs are currently discussing the sell-on fee.
Celtic are keen to retain the midfielder, who provided some key moments throughout the campaign. During the season, Bernardo scored four goals and three assists in his 34 appearances. The 22-year-old scored in the December Glasgow Derby win over Rangers before providing two assists in the run-in, both for Adam Idah in the closing stages. The best of the pair was his involvement in the goal that beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, collecting the ball from midfield, riding a tackle and forcing Butland into an error, which Idah capitalised on.
Bernardo is back in Lisbon with Benfica as pre-season begins but the club have informed him he’ll have a small role in the first team this term. That has opened the door for a return to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to exercise their option to buy.