Pundit Paddy Kenny believes that Celtic will complete a permanent move for Jota before tonight’s transfer deadline, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Rumours all month

Michael Nicholson has been extremely busy during his first transfer window as CEO at Parkhead, adding five players to Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Three of those were announced on New Year’s Eve, with reports at the beginning of the month suggesting that the club were hoping to tie up full-time moves for Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

However, as we know, that is yet to materialise, with the Hoops having the option to make a move permanent in both loan deals for a combined £12.5m.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments

Reports previously suggested that Celtic will need to pay just over £5m for Jota due to a loan fee already being paid. Kenny was talking to Football Insider regarding Jota and the chances of a move going through on deadline day.

The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper admitted that he was ‘surprised’ it hasn’t already gone through and believes that ‘fans will be worried’ if one isn’t announced on Monday, although he personally thinks it will get done, saying:

“I’m surprised, I thought this would have been sorted ages ago.

“I think it will get done this window. Otherwise, there is the risk of another club coming in.

“Celtic might be able to sign him whenever they want to but that just begs the question, why haven’t they?

“Maybe they want to get all of their other business done first. That’s the only reason I can think of.

“The fans will be worried if there is no news though, he’s been one of their best players this season.”

The Verdict: Not the end of the world

If Celtic don’t seal a permanent move for Jota earlier than excepted, it wouldn’t be a disaster. Of course, it would be nice if Nicholson could get a full-time transfer over the line today, but the Hoops will still have the option to get it done in the summer.

The 22-year-old has starred for the Hoops and is clearly all-in when it comes to his commitment, as his celebration with supporters on Saturday emphasised.

He has contributed to 15 goals in just 22 games, and if he helps the club to win back the Premiership from Rangers over the coming months, you’d expect that a permanent deal would be a formality.

In other news: Kieran Devlin drops 'big' Celtic deadline day claim on The Athletic