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Alexandro Bernabei Celtic transfer latest as Luke McCowan prediction made – Pakhead state of play
Celtic misfit Alexandro Bernabei has been included in the Brazilian Serie A team of the season - with Internacional keen to land the wing-back on a permanent deal.
Argentine player Bernabei returned to South America back in March to join Internacional on loan for the remainder of the year, and has caught the eye with three goals and five assists in 23 outings, earning him a spot in the top flight's team of the season. Bernabei is set to head back to Parkhead in the new year but Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos recently expressed their desire to sign the defender on a permanent basis. However, reports in Brazil remain steadfast Celtic will try to hold out for as much as £8million for the 24-year-old.
Speaking on the Charla Podcast (via revistacolorada.com), Barcellos stated: "Our desire and our work will be to ensure that the Bernabei remains. We will work until the end, even with the financial limitations. I am optimistic. We are already in talks, but we have left it to the end of the championship. At the end of the season, we must delve a little deeper to make that decision."
Much closer to home, Michael Stewart reckons summer signing Luke McCowan is 'very close' to being handed a starting in the Champions League for Celtic, despite the heavy competition in midfield. The ex Dundee skipper has made one brief cameo in the competition against Atalanta, but Stewart believes the playmaker is on the verge of breaking into Brendan Rodgers' plans on the European stage.
Speaking on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, he said: "Looking at the bigger picture for Celtic in regards to recognising and talking about the strength they’ve got in the middle of the park. On the biggest stage in Europe, they’re doing well; rewind to the summer there; they sell one of their best assets, Matt O’Riley, and it’s been seamless.
"They’ve brought in Luke McCowan, they’ve brought in Engels, and they have probably greater strength in depth there this season than they did last season. That shows you how you create longevity and sustainability really because you’re making a profit and continuing to progress as a club.
"It is a very, very well-oiled machine. Especially the midfield, there’s no doubt there’s good competition for places. I said last week as well, I don’t have any concerns about Engels because we’ve already seen the quality he had when he first joined. I think just that little spell when he’s not started every week has helped him because I think he was good against Hibs, scored a good goal, good timing into the box, nice finish and I think his performance will continue to improve.
"Midweek, it’s a big one for Brendan Rodgers; who does he go with? I do genuinely believe that Luke McCowan is getting closer to it; I don’t think he will start; I think Engels will start alongside McGregor and Hatate, but I think Luke McCowan is getting very close to getting in a European team."
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