Celtic loanee star Alex Valle won't be headed back to Barcelona in the January transfer window, reports in Spain have stated - despite there being fears over a potential early exit at Celtic Park.
Valle, 20, joined Barcelona as a 10 years old from local side Sant Gabriel, and although he hasn't made a first-team appearance at the Camp Nou, the youngster amassed 36 appearances over the past two seasons for Andorra and Levante.
That saw Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers plump for a move for a back-up left-back following Alexandro Bernabei's failed move at the club, and he's done well in a new country - and he appears set to be staying with Barca chiefs happy with his development.
The report from Spanish outlet Sport claims that, despite Valle's form opening doubts amongst Hoops fans that he could be recalled to the Camp Nou in the winter window, that won't be a possibility - with the door being slammed on a potential early return to Spain.
The report states that Hansi Flick and his recruitment team are 'happy' with the progress of the 20-year-old full-back, who grabbed an assist for Daizen Maeda on the hour mark just seconds after entering the fray in the east end.
It was his fourth assist of the season, though he's only started six games all season and featured in a further four, whilst first-choice star Greg Taylor has started 14 games and only registered the same amount of assists himself.
Valle's performances have led Barcelona chiefs to keep an eye on his progress, with Flick having been impressed with his talents in pre-season, though Valle opted to join Celtic in a bid to record 'regular' game time with Alejandro Balde being the first-choice star at the club.
Barcelona 'expect' Valle to see the season out at Parkhead, being content with how he has played, though Celtic don't have a purchase option and it could be hard to land him on a permanent deal in the summer.
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