Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide has admitted he is open to a permanent Parkhead exit.

The Lowdown: KV Oostende loan

The 21-year-old was actually Ange Postecoglou’s first signing in charge at Parkhead, who described the defender as 'ambitious' and hailed Urhoghide as having all the ‘attributes on and off the field’ to become a ‘top player’. [Sky Sports]

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However, he made just one senior appearance in green and white before joining KV Oostende on loan in January. The Belgian side also negotiated an option to buy in the deal for Urhoghide, as they did with former Celtic man Jack Hendry.

The Latest: Urhoghide’s comments

Talking in an interview shared on Oostende’s website on Wednesday, Urhoghide was asked about the purchase option and if he sees his future in Belgium.

This is what he had to say in reply, revealing he would be ‘very happy’ if he was still an Oostende player next season.

“I will be very happy if I still play at Ostend next season. I'm having a great time here, but I also felt great in Celtic! I now have to try to prove myself, so that KV Oostende will certainly consider the purchase option. And then we'll see what happens.”

The Verdict: A mistake?

It did come as a surprise knowing that the Hoops gave the green light to an option to buy clause, especially after Hendry’s stint with Oostende and the fact Urhoghide is only six months into a four-year deal.

The Scot impressed on loan from Celtic which resulted in Oostende exercising their option to buy clause for just £990,000 before selling Hendry in the same window for £4.05m. [Transfermarkt]

A permanent deal is already in place for Urhoghide, so Celtic chiefs will be hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice when it comes to a loanee starring in Belgium and missing out on a major profit.

In other news: BBC journalist reveals Celtic defender now out for 'lengthy period' as hamstring issues continue.