Fringe man Luis Palma is “open” to a potential winter exit from Celtic, according to a report.
The Honduran has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot so far this term – making just three Scottish Premiership appearances off the bench with his only start coming in a disappointing Premier Sports Cup display against Falkirk. The 24-year-old has been vocal on social media in the wake of his performance against the Bairns – leading to criticism from some sections of the Celtic support.
The Hoops knocked back offers for Palma towards the end of the summer window – but a report in Honduras now claims the wide man would be open to an exit if he isn’t going to land regular game time under Brendan Rodgers. Crono Metro claim he “could say goodbye” to Celtic in January “either on loan or a sale” because of the “tough competition” for a starting spot.
Palma could be encouraged by the form of Alexandro Bernabei away from Celtic Park. The left-back is on loan at Brazilian club Internacional and has kickstarted his career with the club.
Following an assist in the 2-2 draw with Red Bull Bragantino, boss Roger Machado revealed he had a sit-down talk with the Argentinian in a bid to improve his “maturity.” He said: “What I have discussed with Bernabei, as he is a specialist in the role of an attacking left-back, but I am sure that he can contribute defensively.
“What I’ve been telling him is that he has the tools to defend well. But he relies so much on his other moments that sometimes he doesn’t identify the right time to make passes. When the play is taking shape, he’s trying to give himself an advantage to get the ball in a better position.
“Sometimes he is thinking about the other moment and sometimes the ball goes behind his back. That is anxiety, that is youth. Maturity will give him experience.”
Amid the talk of outgoings from Glasgow’s east end, reports in Sweden suggest Celtic are escalating their interest in Bazoumana Toure. It is claimed that Hammarby are hoping for a fee in the region of £8.3m for the 18-year-old – and sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg has refused to close the door on a deal with Arsenal and Manchester United also say to be scouting the striker.
He concedes the club are already planning for life without the striker, telling Fotboll Skanalen: “Clubs in Europe want to be at the forefront in terms of scouting, and they report that they are interested and so on. But it is nothing more than that.
“There were quite a few clubs that cancelled their place against Norrkoping (last week) when they realised that he was suspended. It was a bit of fun. Then there were a lot of cancellations. But there are quite a lot of big clubs coming now. And we have known about that (the interest).
“We need to plan for a future without him. Then if it happens (a deal) this winter, next summer or even further than that, I don’t think so in and of itself… we’ll see. But the longer we get to keep him the better.”