Efrain Juarez seems likely to end his short spell at Real Zaragoza after the Spanish club told him he was no longer part of their plans.

The Celtic midfielder moved to La Liga on loan at the start of the season after failing to win a first team place at Parkhead. Despite playing in the majority of Zaragoza’s matches so far, the club has told him to find another team this month.

Zaragoza confirmed on their official website that they wanted to free up a place in their squad for another non-EU player.

A statement on the club website explained: “Juarez and his agent are negotiating for the player to leave for another club.  

“Until this occurs, the player remains bound to the Zaragoza.”

There appears little prospect of Juarez returning to Celtic as the clubs have a year-long loan agreement. Instead, another loan deal or a permanent transfer seems the more likely option.

Clubs in Mexico have been linked with moves to take Juarez back to his homeland but Santos Laguna, who have a partnership with Celtic, have distanced themselves from any deal.

Juarez signed for Celtic in a £4 million deal from UNAM Pumas in 2010. The 23-year-old has made 19 appearances for the club, scoring twice.