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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Brendan Rodgers reacts to Sead Haksabanovic Celtic outburst

Brendan Rodgers insists he was surprised to read Sead Haksabanovic's recent social media comments.

The Celtic winger last weekend dropped an Instagram bombshell by hinting that he was not valued at Parkhead, although the boss has dismissed this notion.

It came just hours after the 24-year-old was an unused substitute against St Johnstone.

Rodgers has now revealed that the attacker is one of the fringe players that will likely move on from the Scottish champions. A deal with PAOK, who thumped Hearts in their Europa Conference League play-off, is said to be close.

"I said a couple of weeks ago I felt there would be players that would want to go out and play games and start," Rodgers explained. "Haksa is one of those who will look for game time and want to be a starter. So I would expect him to be moved on.

"To be fair I’m not on social media, so I don’t know, but I did speak to him on it. I was a bit surprised, to be honest. I think that certainly from when I came into here he’s been offered nothing but respect by everyone, and certainly by myself, in terms of communication with him and the conversations.

"This is a new generation, and a new wave of player, so it doesn’t matter to me."

The player's Instagram post last Sunday read: "If they don’t see your value maybe you’re not at the right place."

Rodgers also confirmed that Paulo Bernardo will be joining the club and explained why the midfielder will likely be the last signing of the transfer window.

The Benfica playmaker is set to become a Parkhead player on a loan deal from the Portuguese giants.

In recent days the Hoops have signed winger Luis Palma on a five-year deal and defender Nat Phillips on loan from Liverpool until January.

And the 50-year-old played down any chance of more players coming in before the deadline.

He said: "I'm not so sure. I don't think there will be many more coming in. Again a young player (Bernardo) is coming in with potential and that will hopefully be confirmed.

"He comes in with the opportunity to see him and give us more strength in depth in that midfield area. We will see how he develops."

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