Celtic are unlikely to make a bid for Ikechi Anya because he is 'probably out of our wage bracket', according to John Collins.

The champions of Scotland have long been linked with a move for the Hornets wideman, who has established himself as a key member of Gordon Strachan’s national side since moving to Vicarage Road from fellow Pozzo-owned club Granada three years ago.

The Bhoys were reported to be lining up a £2 million offer for Anya but assistant boss Collins says the former Wycombe Wanderers player’s Premier League wages do not make him a realistic target.

Asked about Anya and Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, who has also been linked with a move to Parkhead, Collins said: “I don’t think I can say they’re players that we’re trying to sign.

“They’re two good football players who I admire but they’re both Premiership players so the reality is they’ll be on Premiership wages, so probably out of our wage bracket.”

Ronny Deila’s number two, whose comments have been reported by Eurosport, was speaking at Edinburgh Castle following the release of next season’s Scottish Premiership fixtures.