MIND the gap. That was the warning today from Celtic manager Gordon Strachan as the Old Firm struggle to shake off the chasing pack in the SPL title race.

Dundee United's draw at Parkhead - the fourth time they have held Celtic and Rangers this season - gave further evidence it is becoming tougher for the big two.

In the past month, Celtic have also lost to Hibs and been held at home by Hearts.

Asked if the gap between the Old Firm and the rest is narrowing, Strachan said: "People need to work that out for themselves.

"Are we getting poorer, or are they getting better? I'm talking about the Old Firm getting closer to them. We don't really know.

"I'd say the standard has maybe slipped by the Old Firm, though I can't speak for Walter Smith.

"Maybe we've dropped a little bit of consistency, and I think the likes of Hearts and Dundee United are improving."

As belts are tightened, it is unlikely Celtic and Rangers will be able to spend their way clear again in this window.

Both clubs would like to use this transfer window to strengthen their bid for this season's SPL title - and the £10million direct entry ticket to the Champions League that goes with it.

Celtic and Rangers are concentrating on loan deals. However, at the moment, there appears to be more chance of players leaving Parkhead and Ibrox than arriving, though both managers have made it clear they would resist attempts to lure any of their key men away.

Middlesbrough are reported to be preparing a bid - believed to be around £5m - for Aiden McGeady, who they see as a ready-made replacement for Stewart Downing, who has tabled a transfer request.

Newcastle have also been linked with the Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has until the end of this week to decide if he is going to appeal against the £30,000 fine imposed on him for his recent bust- up with Strachan which also brought the 22-year-old a two-week suspension.

Darren O'Dea is another youngster in demand, with Burnley boss Owen Coyle the latest to show an interest in taking the defender on loan, should Strachan decide he can afford to let him go.

But the final decision could rest on how quickly John Kennedy recovers from the knee injury he picked up at the end of his loan spell with Norwich last month.

Massimo Donati's future is also the subject of speculation. Though Celtic have not received any offers for the midfielder, his agent has made it clear Donati would consider a move back to Italy.

Claudio Pasqualin said: "We are not excluding the possibility Massimo could return to Italy before February. Torino are interested, but several other clubs would like to sign him."

Striker Chris Killen is also looking for a way out after recovering from a broken kneecap which has kept him sidelined since the first month of the season, with a move to back to England his preference.

Meanwhile, the results of the scan on Shunsuke Nakamura's thigh injury will be known today, though the Japanese star is already reporting the pain which forced him off at the weekend is easing.