Paulo Bernardo has reportedly left the Benfica pre-season training camp amid transfer discussions with Celtic.
The midfielder, 22, spent last season on loan in Glasgow with the Parkhead club holding an option to sign him on a permanent basis.
However, it's thought Celtic are keen to negotiate a lower fee for Bernardo than the £6m figure included in the loan deal.
Now, in a major development, it has emerged Bernardo will leave Benfica pre-season training as talks over his future continue.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo claim the player is leaving the Benfica campus after not being involved in the friendly against Spanish side Celta Vigo on Saturday.
It's reported Celtic remain in talks with Benfica to try and agree a fee for Bernardo with Brendan Rodgers keen to bring the player back to Scotland this summer.
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Previously discussing transfer interest in former loan pair Bernardo and Adam Idah, Celtic assistant John Kennedy said: "Again, I think there are a lot of conversations happening. It's a time when a lot of players have been on holiday and different things have been happening.
"A lot of conversations are taking place and as we now come back for pre-season, hopefully in the coming weeks a few things will start to happen, but there are a lot of plates spinning, a lot of work getting done and hopefully we'll start to see all that start to materialise in the coming weeks."
On transfer business this summer, Rodgers said: “Would we like to get some in before America? That's the plan.
"I think every manager would like them in on the first day but what's most important is the players we want are targeted."
