Celtic: Jason Denayer and Stefan Johansen advised to stay

Jason Denayer has been a regular starter on loan to Celtic

Staying at Celtic next season would be the best thing for the careers of Jason Denayer and Stefan Johansen, according to manager Ronny Deila.

The Norwegian media has linked midfielder Johansen with German clubs, while defender Denayer's loan from Manchester City ends in the summer.

"Taking it step by step is important and I think he has things to learn here," said Deila of Denayer.

"Stefan has a big potential, but he has only been here for a year."

Deila said he had not heard of any interest in Johansen, the 24-year-old he sold to Celtic from Stromsgodset in January 2014.

"The Norwegian press is very good at talking up players and they can continue with that," he said.

"He has started to become a leader on the pitch and I think he can improve more here.

"Here he can play in more Champions League games and I think Celtic is the place for him to be and he is one of the players we want to build a future round.

"That's why I am not so interested in talking to a move to Germany, Italy, or wherever it is."

Deila thinks the Norway international is of the same opinion.

Stefan Johansen is enjoying his time with the Scottish champions

"He has learned that he's had periods when his career has not be so much fun and not everything is about moving on," said the manager.

"When you enjoy being somewhere, that's more important than fighting for the big money all the time.

"When you sit on the bench somewhere, or in the stands and you're unhappy, money is nothing."

Denayer's performances recently led to a first cap for Belgium and the 19-year-old believes he can also break into the Manchester City first team next season.

Asked if the central defender was good enough, Deila said: "It is hard to say.

"They have to be one of the best teams in Europe and it's hard for a 20-year-old boy to break through.

"He should stay here, play more, maybe one or two years and then take the next step."

Denayer himself could offer little insight into where he would be playing his football next season.

"I don't know," said the defender who joined the English Premier League club from the JMG Academy in 2013. "I need to see at the end of the season what happens."

Quizzed further on his priorities should a first-team place with City prove elusive, Denayer said: "Of course, playing games and keep improving.

"I came to play games and this is what I do. I also came for trophies and I have won one already and hopefully two more. "