FORMER Celtic star Jim McInally reckons Ronny Deila is taking a gamble by pursuing “loose cannon” Nadir Ciftci – but predicts it might pay off handsomely.

Celtic have had three bids turned down for the Turkish striker, who is flattered by their interest.

It is expected they will go back in again to try to secure Ciftci ahead of their Champions League qualifiers, and United boss Jackie McNamara has admitted his club is powerless to stop Celtic’s pursuit.

It is understood United want £1.5million for the 23-year-old, who has a year left on his contract.

Peterhead boss McInally, who spent 10 seasons at Tannadice, says signing Ciftci make complete sense on football grounds.

However, he worries about the baggage Ciftci carries, especially as the striker is facing a lengthy suspension if found guilty at an SFA hearing on July 20 of biting Dundee’s Jim McAllister.

The former Scotland star thinks that Celtic might feel they can develop him further and sell him on for a profit as they have done so successfully in the past.

And McInally can see the logic of bringing in Ciftci in an attempt to cash in down the line.

He said: “If you are talking only in football terms then there is no dispute and no surprise that Celtic are chasing him.

“He’s a good player and he has a lot of good attributes and Celtic clearly feel he can fit into their plans.

“They have a track record of developing players and selling them for a profit.

“Maybe they feel they can do the same with Ciftci by giving him the platform to play on, especially if they are in the Champions League.

“However, there is no doubt that he is a loose cannon. He has been involved in more than a few incidents and, of course, he has this biting charge hanging over him.

“So from that point of view it’s a gamble, but Celtic seem determined to get their man and it seems that Ciftci wants to go there.”

McInally, who reached the 1987 Uefa Cup final and won the 1994 Scottish Cup with United, sympathises with his old club.

They are under pressure from the supporters not to sell Ciftci to Celtic following the furious fall-out over Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven moving to Parkhead last season ahead of the League Cup final.

However, with Ciftci able to walk away for free next summer, McInally knows that it makes business sense for the Terrors to take the money.

McInally, who started his career at Celtic, added: “I feel sorry for United because they are caught in such a difficult situation.

“They agreed a fee with Wigan and the player decided against it so maybe it would be best for all parties if Celtic match that fee and the deal is done.

“Celtic seem determined to get him and the player is obviously keen so it’s inevitable he’ll go to Parkhead.”