Paulo Bernardo gives Celtic permanent transfer clue as Benfica make key decision during Parkhead 'evaluation'

The Hoops hold an option to buy in Bernardo's loan from the Lisbon giants.

Loanee Paulo Bernardo appears to have signed his Celtic spell as he prepares to return to Benfica - but reports suggest they could still trigger their option to buy the midfielder.

The midfielder has reached the end of his season-long loan from the Lisbon giants with a Premiership and Scottish Cup winners medal in his pocked - but his deal includes a clause that means a £6million bid would be enough to bring the 22-year-old to Glasgow's east end long-term. However, the Portuguese U21 international appears to have hinted that he will not return to Celtic next season as he sent a message to fans on social media.

Taking to his Instagram while sharing snaps of his time at Celtic Park, he wrote: "Grateful for this season. Thank you very very much for all the support." Reports in Portugal suggest that a deal is still being considered by the Hoops.

O Jogo claim that the Celtic Park chiefs are "evaluating" a permanent move for Bernardo. He has reportedly been told that he is not in the first-team plans for Benfica going into next season.

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