Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill has given the clearest indication yet that Celtic will be free to sign Moritz Bauer at the end of his season-long loan.
The Austrian right-back has been impressive this season and has provided depth at the position alongside rising star Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Abd Elhamed.
Celtic have the option to make his deal permanent at the end of the season and the Potters' new manager had made it clear a move away is a likely option.
Bauer isn't of contract until 2023 and won't be short of suitors even if the Hoops don't make their move with the former Rubin Kazan star earning praise for his all-action displays.
O'Neill told the Stoke Sentinel: "There’s different types of loans.
"Harry Souttar’s and (Thibaud) Verlinden’s loans are very different from (Kevin) Wimmer’s and Bauer’s loans.
"Players on loan from a development point of view we have to watch very closely because we believe they have an awful lot to offer the football club.
"But players out on loan for other reasons, possibly their future lies away from the club and we have to focus on those we believe have a future at the club."
