ANGE POSTECOGLOU says talk of a permanent deal for Jota to remain at Celtic is premature, following reports from Portugal this week that the winger had told Benfica he wished to remain in Glasgow.
Jota has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Celtic this season, and it is understood that a deal is already in place between the clubs for a permanent move, with Celtic having to pay a fee of around £6m to secure his services.
The Celtic manager said that talks were indeed ongoing between Jota’s agent and the club, but when asked if there had been any significant developments this week on the transfer, Postecoglou said: “Nah, not really.
"We are at that point in the season where people are going to speculate but on our behalf nothing has really changed.
“We are in talks with Jota’s representatives and from our perspective we would obviously like him to stay at the football club. He’s had a great year for us. But with all these things you need agreement from all sides, so hopefully we are working towards that.
“I’m not aware of the chat mate but if you’re telling me there seems to be some significant progress then, yes, they are being premature.”
Another player who Postecoglou is keen to keep around is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who himself has been a huge hit since making the loan move from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
USA manager Gregg Berhalter has already indicated he will call up the centre-half for their summer friendly matches off the back of his fine form for Celtic, and Postecoglou is delighted for him to get such recognition.
“He has been outstanding,” he said. “I know the US have been following him pretty closely and if he get called up, its well deserved.
“And similar with Jota, with Cam, we are talking to him. He is a player we would like to keep at the football club, I know he is really happy, but with all these things you need all parties to agree.
“And until you get to that space there is no real certainty about closing the deal.”
