Dundee United ’won’t sell’ Nadir Ciftci to Celtic

Nadir Ciftci has been important for United in big matches and will be a big loss should he decide to leave. Picture: SNS

It’s been reported that Celtic manager Ronny Deila has taken an interest in the striker following his blistering form this season and could be ready to make an offer to united for the player.

The speculation has apparently left Dundee United far from happy, with assistant manager Simon Donnelly admitting that any move for the forward would be “far from welcome”.

In a bid to placate their supporters, many of whom are still angry following the furore surrounding the January sale of Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, the Dundee United board are reported to have agreed to block any contact from Celtic regarding Ciftci, or defender John Souttar who has also been linked with a move to the champions.

Ronny Deila said he understands Dundee United’s frustration but believes the Tannadice club should be “proud that they are producing players that other clubs want”. He said: “It is always tough for smaller clubs to lose players but they also bring a lot of money to the club. They can reinvest and build the club further. The small clubs need to do that more than the bigger clubs.”

The Turkish striker will be out of contract at the end of next season and any decision not to sell to Celtic could impact the size of the transfer fee the club hope to receive, should Ciftci decide to leave.