Celtic plan to develop on-loan star Paulo Bernardo with a view to sell him for a big profit, sources have told Netsport.

Bernardo, 22, joined the Hoops on loan from Benfica in the summer for the remainder of the season and has an option to buy for £6million.

It is believed that Celtic want to make his move permanent this summer as they believe he can develop into a £20million-plus valued player, meaning they could net up to £14million in profit.

Well-placed sources have told Netsport that Celtic chiefs believe the Portugal under-21 international has “huge” potential that can be fulfilled at Parkhead.

Celtic have “huge” plans for on-loan ace Paulo Bernardo

He has recently broken into Brendan Rodgers’ plans after a patchy first half of the season.

The central and attacking midfielder made just two league starts before Christmas, but has since been named in Rodgers’ starting line-up nine times, bagging two goals and two assists.

He also featured in all of the Hoops’ Champions League group-stage games and scored in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup against Buckie Thistle in January.

Bernardo has been a regular for Portugal’s under-21s and recently captained his nation in a 5-1 victory over Croatia in their Euro qualifier on Tuesday (26 March).