Paulo Bernardo reportedly has a £6 million release clause in his agreement with Benfica, according to insiders speaking with Football Scotland.

This would chime with what Celtsarehere were told when Bernardo signed back in the summer. A source told the website the figure to make Bernardo’s stay permanent would hover around what was paid for Jota.

Initially, given the last-minute nature of his acquisition, it seems the buy-option clause wasn’t a primary focus during the loan negotiations.

Celtic, at this stage, isn’t obligated to buy him when his loan concludes, but those in charge seem quite impressed with the Portuguese player’s contributions. While he played games before Boxing Day, the midfielder has really sprung to life in the past three games which included a brilliant Glasgow derby goal.

While fans and pundits are high on the player right now, it’s important for Celtic to postpone any sort of talk of a permanent deal until we have a full picture nearer the end of the season. Bernardo has shown quality, but can he maintain it and can he keep his place in the side with Reo Hatate back from injury? Presumably, the midfielder will get game time immediately after the winter break with Hatate away with Japan at the Asian Cup.

If he continues to show what he can do then he could be a viable option come the end of the season when Celtic are fielding potential big money offers for Matt O’Riley.