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£3.5m Celtic transfer decision made as star 'unlocked' by Brendan Rodgers urges boss to commit to new deal

The winger was bombed out of Parkhead in the January window and his long-term future with the Hoops remains unclear

Luis Palma celebrates for Celtic(Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Olympiacos will not be taking up their option to sign Celtic winger Luis Palma on a permanent deal next summer - according to a report.


The Honduras international joined the Greek giants on loan back in January, and has helped the Piraeus side wrap up a record 48th title with three games to spare.


Palma has registered one goal and one assist in 10 appearances and will be hoping to pick up another piece of silverware when Olympiakos face OFI Crete in the final of the Greek Cup next month.


However, Honduran outlet EDN TV claim that the showpiece event could be his last outing for the Red-Whites, with Olympiakos deciding against signing the 25-year-old on a permanent basis.

The reigning Conference League champions do have the option to purchase Palma outright for £3.5million, with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev rumoured to be lining up a bid of the same value in the summer window.

Luis Palma celebrating scoring a goal for Honduras

Elsewhere, Celtic star Alistair Johnston is hopeful that boss Brendan Rodgers will commit his long-term future in Glasgow's East End - but knows that the Irishman faces a big call.

He said: "The gaffer has been great since he’s walked in the door. I think his resume speaks for itself not only for his time here but his time elsewhere.

"He’s a winner. It’s as simple as that. He’s a manager that you love to play for.


"Obviously those sort of decisions are way above my pay grade but at the end of the day I think it will come down to what the gaffer wants.

"He’s proven time and time again what a top manager he is and how much he loves this club, how much he loves being here for the fans.

"I think that’ll be a decision between him and the club but hopefully there’s something that can keep him here for the long term.


Brendan Rodgers throws the ball to Alistair Johnston

"He has one more year after this and no matter what he’ll be here next year. I think that’s something all the fans and players are excited about.

The Canada full back also reckons his game as came on tenfold under the former Liverpool bosses management.


"He’s been great," he added. "Obviously I came in under Ange and was brought in to [play inverted full-back] and hit the ground running a little bit but I was still starry eyed and trying to find my place.

“When he came in, he kind of unlocked me in terms of him wanting me to be that full-back that bombs up and down. Not only a shut-down kind of defender but also that was constantly over-lapping.

“He saw that I had the ability to do that and between him and John Kennedy they’ve kind of fine-tuned me and got me into the best form I think I’ve ever been in, certainly at the start of the season.

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“He’s been great for me, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve really enjoyed playing under him and hopefully that continues for a long, long time.”

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