Celtic plan to develop on-loan star Paulo Bernardo with a view to sell him for a big profit, sources have told Football Insider.
Bernardo, 22, joined the Hoops on loan from Benfica in the summer for the remainder of the season and has an option to buy for £6million.
It is believed that Celtic want to make his move permanent this summer as they believe he can develop into a £20million-plus valued player, meaning they could net up to £14million in profit.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that Celtic chiefs believe the Portugal under-21 international has “huge” potential that can be fulfilled at Parkhead.
Celtic have “huge” plans for on-loan ace Paulo Bernardo
He has recently broken into Brendan Rodgers’ plans after a patchy first half of the season.
The central and attacking midfielder made just two league starts before Christmas, but has since been named in Rodgers’ starting line-up nine times, bagging two goals and two assists.
He also featured in all of the Hoops’ Champions League group-stage games and scored in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup against Buckie Thistle in January.
Bernardo has been a regular for Portugal’s under-21s and recently captained his nation in a 5-1 victory over Croatia in their Euro qualifier on Tuesday (26 March).
Rodgers also revealed in January that the club is confident that they can finance Bernardo’s permanent move in the off-season.
Celtic sit top of the league, but rivals Rangers sit just one point below them in second with a game in hand.
They are next set to face Livingston away from home on Sunday afternoon (31 March).
In other news, Celtic defy expectations as documents reveal £46m payout.
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