Celtic reach agreement with Dundee United over Anthony Stokes but he may not leave

At this stage, Ronny Deila just wants shot of the Irishman.

Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen has revealed his club have reached a loan agreement with Celtic over Anthony Stokes. The Tannadice side, who currently sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership, have held talks with the 27-year-old but a deal is far from done. Eager as he is to get in some fire-power, Paatelainen admits Stokes could be tempted elsewhere. He told the BBC, "We have made an approach to Celtic and spoken to the player but I don't how things will pan out. "It's up to the player to decide. He's got loads of options. Obviously we're a bottom-of-the-table club. I don't think when you look at the league table that we are the favourites to get him. "Somebody like his type of striker would relish playing for us because we create loads of chances, goalscoring opportunities. We're very positive in our tactics." Stokes has not appeared for Celtic since August having fallen foul of his Norwegian boss. In December, the Ireland international was suspended for a Twitter rant against the club. Stokes' contract at the club expires this summer so a loan move is is most likely option.