Reports this morning from Celtic blog videocelts claim they’ve been told Shane Duffy’s Celtic loan deal has a January exit clause and the club have already decided to pull the chord.

The blog writes: Video Celts understands that the decision has already been made inside Celtic Park to exercise the option in the loan agreement with the Irishman returning to the south coast when the transfer window opens in January.

Duffy admitted earlier this season Celtic are paying his full wages which according to Spotrac is £40k per week.

After a mistake-laden start to his Celtic career the Irishman finds himself on the bench. An expensive investment not being used will not be going down well in the Celtic boardroom.

We can’t corroborate what VC report but if there is an escape hatch, it’s very likely Celtic would use it, sending the defender back to Brighton.

The bhoys are struggling for form and they can’t have any passengers from now until the end of the season. If Duffy goes it would free up wages for a fresh signing to come in and help galvanise Celtic.

Unless the big man can turn things around.