Dundee United: Nadir Ciftci's agent plays down Celtic link

Will Nadir Ciftci kiss goodbye to Dundee United?

Agent Pierre van Hooijdonk says he has had no contact with Celtic about Nadir Ciftci and does not rule out extending the striker's stay with Dundee United.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has described reports of interest in the Turkish striker as "just rumours".

And former Celtic striker Van Hooijdonk said: "There is nothing that I know.

"If the right club isn't there for him, we would take it to another season at United. He's very happy with the way he is being treated at the club."

The 23-year-old Ciftci, who joined United from Breda in 2013, has one year remaining on his contract at Tannadice.

"I can imagine that they are looking at him, but I have had no calls from Celtic," said Van Hooijdonk. "It is all speculation at the moment.

"I have no doubts that he could play at a higher level, but here is no need to speculate about other options.

"I'm sure they will be there in the future, but the move has to be right."

However, Van Hooijdonk stressed that no offer of an extension had yet been received from United.

John Souttar (right) is another Dundee United player attracting praise this season

"That signal has to come from United," he said. "The club has to offer.

"I don't know what the plans are from Dundee United.

"Nadir has confidence in the staff he's working with. I think that is how it should go.

"The player is in a good situation. He is enjoying himself and what he is doing.

"If something comes up where it is worth him looking at it, we will.

"Everyone knows Celtic are the biggest club in Scotland, but there is no point discussing it until something does."

Celtic bought midfielders Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven from United in January and assistant manager Simon Donnelly has been quoted as saying that a further summer approach would not be welcome.

Deila did not want to be drawn on a report that Ciftci and teenage defender John Souttar were among Celtic's potential summer targets.

"I don't want to comment on any names," he said. "We have our targets and we work on things and, when it is clear, we will tell you.

"It's always tough for smaller clubs to lose players.

"They make the club a lot of money, which they can reinvest and build the club further, and small clubs need to do that more.

"We also do the same, so every club needs to make that decision.

"I can understand they are upset, but they have to see it as a big honour that they are producing players that others want."