Celtic will not take up their option to sign right-back Moritz Bauer on a permanent basis, according to the Football Insider.

The website claims that manager Neil Lennon has decided that the Austrian international is not in his first-team plans, and he will be allowed to return to Stoke City when his loan deal expires in the summer.

Bauer has only played 13 games since arriving at Parkhead, with the emergence of Jeremie Frimpong having played a big role in his lack of match time. The Dutchman has been a revelation since making his first league start back in October.

The return of Hatem Abd Elhamed to full fitness following four months out with a groin problem will likely reduce Bauer’s opportunities further so it appears the writing is on the wall for the 28-year-old.

The Austrian has only played one game this calendar year, providing an assist in the 3-0 win over Clyde in the Scottish Cup back in February.