Paolo Bernardo is undergoing a medical ahead of an imminent move to Celtic, according to a report.
The Benfica midfielder is set to become Brendan Rodgers' third signing in a matter of days as he closes in on a loan move to the cinch Premiership champions.
Football Scotland report the 21-year-old is completing the requisite medical checks before the deal can be officially signed off. Celtic hope to have Bernardo available for Sunday's titanic derby clash with Rangers at Ibrox.
In a similar arrangement to Bernardo's former team-mate Jota upon his initial loan switch to Celtic in 2021, it's believed the Parkhead club will have the option to buy the Portuguese youth international at the end of this season. He has fallen down the pecking order at his parent club after also spending last season on-loan.
His capture is set to be the latest in a frantic late-window recruitment drive, fuelled partially by a spate of injuries in the Celtic ranks. Earlier on Thursday, the club officially announced a loan for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips had been signed off.
The 26-year-old centre-back has signed a short-term switch until January, although it's believed there is scope for the arrangement to be extended beyond the New Year.
“I’m really excited. When I heard about the interest it was one that got me excited.
"There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.
“It’s the history of the club.
"It’s such a huge club, the club’s aspirations, the level it competes at, the fact that they’re in the Champions League this year and the mentality of the club – they want to be winners in everything they do.”
Phillips could also feature at Ibrox this weekend, as could winger Luis Palma. The Honduran touched down in Glasgow earlier this week, with confirmation of his five-year contract announced on Wednesday evening.
His capture could well be the catalyst for the out-of-favour Sead Haksabanovic to move on. The 23-year-old had speculating he was moving towards the exit door earlier this week with a social media post hinting at frustation with his lack of involvement since Rodgers replaced Ange Postecoglou.
Reports from Greece have since indicated he has agreed personal terms with PAOK.
