Player compared to Rui Costa now in advanced talks to sign for Celtic as well as Kasper Schmeichel

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Celtic now seem very well positioned to bring a Brendan Rodgers target to Glasgow this summer.

The Bhoys are yet to make a signing so far in the transfer window after winning the Scottish Premiership title last season – although the Hoops are close to landing Kasper Schmeichel as a replacement for Joe Hart.

Now, another player looks likely to follow the Denmark international to Celtic on a permanent basis…

Celtic in advanced talks to sign Paulo Bernardo

A story from O Jogo in Portugal now claims that Benfica are preparing to sell Paulo Bernardo to Celtic in a permanent deal.

The man from Almada spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Celtic Park, making 33 appearances in central midfield as he scored four goals and also provided three assists.

O Jogo explain how Benfica left Bernardo out of their friendly against Celta de Vigo on Saturday to ensure the 22-year-old’s move to Celtic was not scuppered due to an injury.

The Portuguese news outlet add that the Portugal U21 international is definitely leaving Lisbon, with Celtic now trying to agree a transfer fee with the Primeira Liga outfit.

Bernardo – who the Daily Record mentioned has been compared to Portuguese legend Rui Costa – has a contract with Benfica until July 2027, although a permanent sale now seems very likely.

More good news after Kasper Schmeichel deal

Bernardo was brilliant for Rodgers last season as Celtic also lifted the Scottish Cup, so the fact he seems set to return to Glasgow permanently is fantastic news – but arguably not as exciting as the Schmeichel situation.

Despite the fact the Dane is now 37 years of age, he is still a fantastic goalkeeper, helping Denmark reach the UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16, where they were actually quite unlucky to suffer a 2-0 defeat to Germany as VAR interfered heavily.

Schmeichel made four appearances at UEFA Euro 2024 this summer, keeping one clean sheet, while he also boasts 83 clean sheets in 284 Premier League outings, along with a Premier League winner’s medal.

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Of course, Celtic fans may only be able to enjoy the esteemed glovesman’s talents for a few years given his age, but it should prove to be an inspired signing – especially as Rodgers knows him from their time together at Leicester.