Luis Palma has shot down fake news reports in his homeland that he is seeking a summer exit from Celtic after dropping out of the starting eleven towards the end of last season, where Celtic steamrolled their way past challengers theRangers to secure a memorable Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Palma has had a memorable summer so far after getting married and representing Honduras as they seek a World Cup qualification place for the tournament that will be held in Canada, United States and Mexico.

He arrived at Celtic last August in a £3.5m transfer from Greek outfit Aris and made 35 appearances from Celtic including Champions League matches were he was a stand-out against the likes of Lazio and Feyenoord.

Responding to a question about his supposed intentions to seek a move from Celtic, in an interview back home in Honduras, Luis Palma immediately dismissed the speculation as unfounded nonsense.

Celtic v St Mirren – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtic s Luis Palma right celebrates with team-mate Anthony Ralston after scoring the winning goalof the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, on Saturday May 18, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

“That’s the first time I have heard of that. I have no idea where that came from. I have only been at Celtic for a year. I have four years left of my contract,” Luis Palma replied. “I am focusing on the new season and getting back to the level I was at when I first arrived. It won’t take much to get me back to that.

“The pre-season will be important for me because we want to become champions again. I want to work harder to ensure that happens again.

“This week the pre-season begins at Celtic, but I get extra days off because I was playing with the national team. I will join up with the team in the United States. My other main aim next season is to make sure Honduras get to the World Cup.

Luis Palma celebrates after he scores during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on December 06, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“We have a tough path and although many people say ‘it’s only against Cuba and Bermuda’ they are full of players who play in the lower leagues of English football so it will be tough.”

Like many members of the first team squad, especially the ones who have been on international duties, Luis Palma will NOT take part on the Celtic friendly down at Somerset Park against Scott Brown’s Ayr United on Friday 5 July. Instead he will join up with the squad in the United States ahead of the three friendly match later next month against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea.