EXCLUSIVEEXCLUSIVE: Celtic make their move for loan star Bernardo and Denmark goalkeeper Schmeichel

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CELTIC have submitted a £3.5million offer to Benfica for midfielder Paulo Bernardo — and are in advanced talks with Denmark international goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel over a two-year deal.

Brendan Rodgers could make the pair his first summer signings before his squad fly to the US for games against Manchester City, Chelsea and DC United.

Portuguese Bernardo, 22, spent last season on loan at Parkhead, scoring four goals in 33 appearances.

A £6m option to buy was built into the loan agreement. Keen to negotiate a lower price, the Scottish champions have begun formal negotiations with Benfica over a £3.5m deal plus add-ons and a sell-on percentage, and are hoping to conclude personal terms.

Celtic are close to securing a deal for Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel

Celtic have made a £3.5million bid for loan midfielder Paulo Bernardo

Celtic are also in the market for a replacement for Joe Hart, with discussions taking place with 37-year-old Schmeichel.

A free agent after leaving Anderlecht, the son of Manchester United legend Peter was Rodgers’ No1 at Leicester City. He also spent time in Scotland with Falkirk early in his  career. He was keen to focus on Euro 2024 with the Danes, with talks placed on ice until the end of the tournament.

Meanwhile, a bid of £4.5m for Norwich City striker Adam Idah, who also spent part of last season on loan at Celtic, has already been turned down.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to make quality additions to his squad

Celtic want to sign Adam Idah from Norwich after his successful loan spell last season

With Celtic poised to rake in a similar fee from the sale of South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu to Belgian club Genk, further talks have taken place despite English Championship side Norwich maintaining they have yet to receive an offer for Ireland cap Idah that is likely to trigger a serious conversation.

Manager Rodgers addressed supporter frustration over a lack of summer signings after a pre-season game with Queen’s Park in midweek.

‘It’s natural to ask the new-signings question,’ said the Northern Irishman. ‘We’re a club that needs to improve the squad. So I really hope we can do that.’