Left-back Alex Valle has dropped a hint he will see out the season at Celtic amid speculation he could be recalled by Barcelona.

The 20-year-old has acted as the understudy to Greg Taylor for the majority of the campaign despite showing flashes of his best form in both the Champions League and during the Hoops' unbeaten domestic campaign. The highly-rated Spaniard has made the majority of his appearances off the bench this term but was handed a rare start in the 4-0 hammering of St Johnstone on Sunday - only his seventh of the season.

Following the game, Valle appears to have hinted that he doesn't expect to return to the La Liga heavyweights just yet despite a lack of minutes under Brendan Rodgers. Taking to Instagram, Valle shared a snap of him during the Premiership clash with the Perth Saints and told fans ‘see you next year’ – appearing to hint at an extended stay in Glasgow's east end.

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First-choice left-back Taylor is nearing the end of his contract and is free to speak to other clubs from January - with Kieran Tierney in a similar position at Arsenal. Brendan Rodgers keen on a reunion at Celtic Park and former England international Paul Robinson reckons a January switch for the Scotland star could be on - despite facing a significant drop in wages if he leaves the Emirates.

He told Football Insider: “It’s achievable. That’s probably what both parties would want, even Arsenal wouldn’t stand in his way.”

Elsewhere, a permanent exit for Alexandro Bernabei appears to be gathering pace. The left-back is currently on loan at Internacional who appear to be ramping up their pursuit of a deal.

Revista Colorada report that director André Mazzuco has flowing to Glasgow to "finalise a deal" for the left-back. They believe a "positive outcome" can be reached - which would reportedly see Celtic bank a £7million payday.