Efrain Juarez is returning to Celtic after his loan deal with Real Zaragoza was terminated.

The Mexican midfielder moved to Spain in the summer, having failed to make an impact in his first season in Scotland.

Zaragoza stated earlier in the January window that they were waiting to move Juarez on, but would keep him at the club until he found another deal.

A statement from the La Liga side read: “Real Zaragoza has reached a definitive agreement for the termination of Efrain Juarez’s contract. Juarez will return immediately to the Scottish team.

“Real Zaragoza would like to thank the willingness and professionalism shown by Efrain Juarez during his stay in Zaragoza, and wish him every success in the future.”

Celtic’s partner club, Santos Laguna, were keen on taking him back to Mexico but Juarez will remain in Glasgow as part of manager Neil Lennon's squad.

"We are pleased to have Efrain back after his loan spell ended in Spain," Lennon told Celtic's official website. "He will provide us with some more options in the side, particularly with Beram being out injured, as we look ahead to the second half of the season.”

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

IN DETAIL

• Celtic’s Efrain Juarez heading for Zaragoza exit