CELTIC have been urged to get in quick if they are to beat the rush for Stuart Armstrong.

 

Dundee United insist they have not received offers for any of their players.

But the Hoops have already grabbed Gary Mackay-Steven on a pre-contract agreement, and are expected to table a bid to bring him in during this window.

Armstrong is also on Ronny Deila's extensive wish list.

However, the 22-year-old midfielder still has 18 months of his contract to run.

And United - now free of any bank debt - value him at no less than £2.5million.

That price could rise dramatically if other clubs tracking Armstrong's progress get smoked out as a result of Celtic's interest becoming known.

The Parkhead outfit could still try to get in ahead of the pack, something a player who has already made the move from Tannadice to Paradise reckons they should have done long before now.

Mark Wilson has just left United after a second spell at the Tayside club, and is in no doubt Armstrong would be a smash hit in the Hoops.

The defender who spent six successful years at Celtic said: "To be honest, I thought he might have gone by now, and someone might have come in during the early weeks of the transfer window.

"I know it heats up right at the end. But, I thought someone might have tried to get in their first to take him.

"My first feeling was Celtic.

"I just feel the way Stuart has played for a number of years now, and especially against Celtic, he has been very impressive.

"Ronny Deila has come out and said how good a player he is. You can see his admiration for Stuart."

Wilson continued: "The good thing about Stuart is his age.

"Some people think he is older because he has been about for so long and has been in the running for Young Player of the Year and Team of the Year awards and such for the last couple of years.

"That would definitely fit in with a team like Celtic's remit, the players they try to attract.

"Get them in, get a few seasons under their belt, play them in Champions League or Europa League and sell them for a bigger price."

Wilson reckons there is still time for this marriage made in heaven to be arranged.

But, the deeper into the window it goes, the more competition there could be for him.