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Luis Palma told 'writing is on the wall' at Celtic as Alexandro Bernabei latest emerges – Hoops transfer bulletin

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


John Hartson reckons time is up for Luis Palma at Celtic and says he wouldn't be surprised if the winger moves on in January.

The Honduras international was signed by Brendan Rodgers for £3.5million in August 2023. but divided Hoops fans in his first season at the club despite scoring 10 goals in 36 matches. The 24-year-old has featured just seven times in the current campaign, with boss Rodgers admitting that Celtic's strength in depth in the wide areas has made it difficult to give Palma regular minutes.

Palma is said to have potential suitors both in Europe and across the pond in the MLS, and former Parkhead favourite Hartson believes a man who has 'flattered to deceive' at the best of times should be sold next month to allow a better player in the left-wing slot to come in as a replacement. Speaking on Go Radio, he said: "If Palma goes they will certainly want to get another one in over on that left-hand side. It is looking like the writing is on the wall for Palma at Celtic.

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"It's in the papers every other day that he is not happy and his dad has been quoted (saying) this and that. I just feel that if they get the right type of offer in January, I think they might act on that.

"I don't think he's done enough either. I think he has played in fits and starts. Sometimes he likes to play and does something really, really special and you think 'wow he's back and is a good player, take it onto the next game'.

"He flatters to deceive a little bit. When he is one-on-one he tends to cut inside and pass it into midfield. You want to get a defender or opposing player in a situation with someone like Palma to run at him and make something happen. The amount of times he turns back, but then again in the following he might do something very good and you think he's got something."

Elsewhere, Internacional have once again expressed their desire to sign Celtic loanee Alexandro Bernabei on a permanent basis. The Argentine-wing-back has impressed since joining up with the Brazilian side in March but is set to return to Glasgow's east end at the turn of the year.

Alexandro Bernabei in action for Internacional -Credit:AGIF via AP
Alexandro Bernabei in action for Internacional -Credit:AGIF via AP

Bernabei has reportedly caught the eye of a number of South American clubs but Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos insists they are doing everything they can to ensure the former Lanus left-back remains with them beyond the end of his loan deal. Speaking on the Charla Podcast (via revistacolorada.com), he 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."