Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent basis, according to a report.

The Daily Record reports that the Scottish Premiership champions are edging towards agreeing a fee with Benfica for the 22-year-old.

The Portugal Under-21 international spent last season on loan with Brendan Rodgers and his team.

An option to buy the player was included as part of that initial deal.

The Hoops are trying to negotiate that fee down, but the report states those talks are progressing well.

It's said Celtic is willing to provide more to the Portuguese giants in add-ons, as well as a sell-on fee.

Bernardo has made it clear he wants to stay in Scotland after enjoying his debut season in Glasgow. He's been made aware he has no long-term future at Benfica.

Alvyn Sanches of Lausanne-Sport is another Celtic are monitoring, however, Bernardo is their preferred target. 

That's not to say they wouldn't pursue a deal for the 21-year-old Swiss midfielder who is valued at £4.3m, but only if another midfielder currently on the books is sold.

The report also states that Celtic are advancing in their hunt for a new goalkeeper to replace No.1 Joe Hart, who retired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

READ MORE: Celtic transfer news and rumours before the transfer window

Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney has learned the decision made by Arsenal chiefs over his future at the club.

The former Celtic left-back has been told that the Premier League giants are willing to listen to offers for him this summer.

The Scotland international was last summer frozen out at The Emirates Stadium. The 26-year-old subsequently joined Real Sociedad on loan, enjoying regular first team football in La Liga.

He featured 26 times for the Spanish side, however, has already confirmed he won't be joining them on a permanent basis.