Izaguirre Claims United Interest

Celtic full-back Emilio Izaguirre claims he is wanted by Manchester United and that Sir Alex Ferguson has previously been in touch with the SPL club.

Izaguirre joined the Bhoys last summer and enjoyed an impressive debut season in the SPL which culminated in the Honduras international scooping the player of the year awards.

He was recently linked with United's arch-rivals Liverpool and revealed he was 'flattered' by the interest being shown by the Anfield club.

However, he now says that Premier League champions United were keen on a deal in January before Patrice Evra signed a new contract and are set to hold further talks with Celtic next month.

"I am aware that Manchester United and Celtic agreed for a meeting in July," said Izaguirre in Honduras. "We have to see what happens if I stay or I go.

"I have to confirm it's 100% true that Manchester United were following me and were interested in me in January.

"It was Alex Ferguson directly who made contact with the Celtic directors.

"I think it was the time when they didn't close the negotiations with Patrice Evra. As far as I am aware Celtic refused to sell me as we were concentrating on the league.

"Regarding possibilities, I prefer to stay silent as I did when Celtic signed me. This is a job of my agent.

"If I have the chance I welcome the move with open arms. If that is the case I will thank God and I will take my opportunity."

Celtic boss Neil Lennon, meanwhile, insists there has been no approach for Izaguirre or Israel midfielder Beram Kayal.

Lennon said in the Daily Record: "You're always going to get speculation about your best players. I understand that.

"But there's been no interest expressed in Beram or Emilio and I've had no one on the telephone enquiring about any other player if it comes to that.

"Every player has his price but I'm not prepared to sell my better ones and Emilio certainly comes into that category."