Celtic see hopes of mega £8m cash-in boosted as Bernabei's stunning Argentina dream edges closer

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Reports in South America have indicated Alexandro Bernabei could be in line for a sensational Argentina call-up – and the player says it would be a 'dream' realised.

The Celtic left-back was farmed out to Brazilian club Internacional last winter after failing to force his way in under Brendan Rodgers. And after waiting patiently for his chance, he's since resurrected his career and then some, rapidly earning a reputation as one of the top defenders in the Brazilian Serie A.

He has helped the Porto Alegre club reach fifth place in their league and it was even reported in South America last week that Celtic were asking for a fee of £8million to make the loan move permanent in January – a fee which seems steep, but less so by the week as his incredible form continues.

He's been tipped in his homeland for a surprise call-up to the world champions' squad for their World Cup double-header against Paraguay and Peru this month. And Bernabei - who has played for Argentina Under 23s previously - is hoping he's done enough to impress boss Lionel Scaloni.

He said: "We are an incredible team - World Cup holders and Copa America champions - so of course I know it will be incredibly difficult for me to be called up for the squad. But nobody tells me that I can't aim for that.

"I certainly hope with my recent form that it will be my turn soon. It is a dream that I have pending and I am going to work as hard as possible for myself. If it happens, it happens.

"I think that in Brazil and Argentina, there are very good full-backs. It's said that Brazil is a country of full backs so being praised is important for me. Here in Brazil I am playing every three days or so and that's a real challenge and it is very demanding. But I am very happy with my form."

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