Ange Postecoglou hopes Champions League football will persuade Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers to stay at Celtic.
But the Hoops gaffer says he’s prepared for his loan stars leaving Parkhead - if they get better offers elsewhere.
The Celtic hierarchy are trying to secure permanent deals for Portuguese winger Jota and American defender Carter-Vickers from Benfica and Spurs respectively.
Last week, the centre-back was linked with a potential summer move to Premier League clubs including Leicester City and Wolves.
Postecoglou wants to keep both of them in Glasgow after impressive their performances so far this season.
He knows if they win the Premiership title and earn an automatic place in the group stage of the Champions League, it will strengthen the club’s negotiations.
But he also warned Jota and Carter-Vickers that if he has access to a £40 million Euro jackpot - it will help him lure other players to Parkhead.
Postecoglou said: “I’m sure Champions League football will help us keep them.
“But I’m also sure that it will be an attraction for others to come to our football club.
“This is a two-way thing. The player has to want to be here and we have to want them here.
“When you have that, I’m sure we’ll get a deal done.
“But there’s no issue if players see their future away from here or have different motivations.
“The appeal to come to Celtic is playing in front of 60,000 people every second week, competing in Europe, going for trophies and playing for a club that’s universally known around the world. That’s the attraction.
“If we are playing in the Champions League next year and, if not next year, it should be our goal every year then it will be an attraction for players to stay.
“But it will also be an attraction for players to come.
“Both Cameron and Jota are saying all they need to say to me with their performances. They have been outstanding contributors and great young men as well.
“I love having them as part of his football club.
“But if they can get more money down south, that’s fine. I’d never deny them that.
“We could get offers for some of our other players, depending on how we finish the season.
“That will be the choices they make. If that’s what they desire for their next move, I’ll have no issue with them.
“But while you’re here with me, you’ll give everything you can to this club to make it successful.
“If you do that, whatever your next step is, I’ll be happy for you.”
