AEK Athens are expected to step up their attempts to sign Celtic’s Vasilis Barkas with the Hoops willing to let the goalkeeper leave, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Barkas under Postecoglou

Barkas, who cost the Hoops £4.5m last summer, began Ange Postecoglou’s tenure as Celtic boss as first-choice 'keeper. He was named in the manager's pre-season starting line ups against Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Bristol City, Preston North End and West Ham.

The £20,000-a-week netminder also started against FC Midtjylland in the first leg of Celtic's Champions League qualifier, but he made a costly mistake in the second half and hasn’t featured since.

The 27-year-old, who was described as ‘great’ by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon, wasn’t even in the squad for the 6-0 win over Dundee on Sunday, and it seems as if he could return to his native country.

The Latest: Hoops happy to part ways

The Daily Record shared a late-night Celtic story on Monday regarding the Hoops’ interest in striker Thomas Henry.

Within their report, they added that Barkas is edging closer to a Parkhead exit, with AEK Athens set to firm up their interest, while clubs in Italy are also keen.

Celtic are happy for Barkas to leave, even if it is on loan, following his all-too-brief lifeline under Postecoglou.

The Verdict: The right decision

Parting ways with Barkas now makes sense following Joe Hart’s arrival in Glasgow.

The Englishman has instantly become Postecoglou’s number one, starting against Jablonec and Dundee, so having four senior ‘keepers in Hart, Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard seems to be one too many.

It appears as if the Greece international may well be the man to depart Celtic Park, so his situation could be one to keep an eye on over the coming days.

In other news: Loan to buy: Journalist in Turkey claims Celtic could now move for 'dangerous' ace