Celtic backed to complete 'brilliant' £3.5m Bernardo deal - pundit

Celtic have been backed to complete the signing of Paulo Bernardo after a £3.5million deal in principle was agreed upon.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton admitted it would be a “really good deal” if the Hoops can get it over the line.

Football Insider revealed on July 10 that talks were advancing between the Scottish giants and Benfica over a permanent deal for the midfielder.

Bernardo impressed last season during his loan spell, and Brendan Rodgers has given the green light to bring him back.

The Portuguese midfielder played 33 times as Celtic went on to win the Scottish Premiership, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

Celtic would get great value in signing Paulo Bernardo

The Glasgow giants have offered a sell-on clause as part of the contract, which has helped smooth over the deal.

“I think it’s a brilliant deal,” Hutton told Football Insider of Bernardo’s £3.5million valuation.

“It’s a guy that has played at the club, we’ve seen him, we know what he’s capable of.

“There could be movement within that midfield in this transfer window with Celtic, so there could be an opportunity to come straight in and play.

“He’s only 22, he’s going to improve; there’s definitely an opportunity for him to come and shine, and then there could be that sell-on.

“That’s how they get the fee down from £6million to £3.5 because there will be a sell-on clause if he does go and move, Benfica will make their money out of that.

“It’s a good bit of business; I don’t think personal terms will be that much of an issue.

“So it might rumble on for another couple of weeks, but it looks like getting there.”

In other news, Celtic star undergoing Rapid Bucharest medical.

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