CELTIC would have to pay no more than £4million to sign Scotland star Ikechi Anya this summer.

Sources close to Watford last night revealed the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League club had shown no interest so far in offering the 27-year-old an extension to his current deal which runs out in 12 months.

And that, if any club could match their asking price of £4m - although he could even be available for less - then they would sell the player whose club form does not always mirror his level of performances while on international duty.

Watford were not the biggest payers in the Championship, and Anya's wage demands would quite comfortably fit into Celtic's pay scale, which is in direct contrast to the problems facing any potential deal to sign Steven Fletcher.

The Sunderland striker remains a target for Ronny Deila, but his wages of close to £50,000-a-week are proving to be something of an obstacle.

Anya has been a consistently excellent performer for Gordon Strachan and he set up Shaun Maloney for his goal which won Scotland a point against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin with what was almost his first touch after coming on as a substitute at half-time.

Watford's supporters have always backed the player who signed for the club two years ago, but have been puzzled by Anya's transformation when he goes away with Scotland.

The accusation of him only turning up in big games has been levelled at him in recent times.

New Watford manager Quique Flores will want to bring in his own players and it is understood that some of those who helped win the club promotion last season will be moved on to allow the squad to be added to over the upcoming transfer window.