According to The Sun, reported Derby County target Shane Duffy has returned to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion after Celtic cut his loan spell short.
The towering central defender joined Celtic on a season-long loan last summer.
But his performances for the Hoops have been disappointing and following Neil Lennon’s dismissal he has found first-team opportunities hard to come by.
Celtic have endured a tough campaign with rivals Rangers crowned Scottish champions.
The Sun now claim the Hoops have pulled the plug on his £3 million loan spell two games before the end of the season, with an injury in training ruling him of action.
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Duffy returns to Brighton with question marks over his future.
A recent report in Football Insider claimed Derby are keen on signing him on loan next season, with Brighton boss Graham Potter happy to send him out on loan again.
Brighton have a surplus of central defenders on their books with Lewis Dunk, Ben White, Adam Webster, Dan Burn, Joel Veltman and the returning Matt Clarke as options.
Derby could eye Clarke for a third loan after his impressive performances at Pride Park, though the former Portsmouth man may have moved up the pecking order at Brighton.
Duffy may prove to be a more viable option for Wayne Rooney this summer.
The Rams are short on defenders with George Edmundson and Teden Mengi leaving following their loan spells, while Andre Wisdom and Curtis Davies are out of contract.
Football Insider add how Rooney is a big admirer of Duffy, and the defender will surely seek to make amends next season after his struggles at Celtic Park.
Also see: Report: Relegated club look to fend off Derby and Owls interest in defender with new contract offer
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