Player power has beaten Dundee United’s desire not to sell Nadir Ciftci to Celtic.
The Tangerines did not want to see their star striker follow Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic Park but given there was no other reasonable option available they have had to concede defeat.
With the Turkish frontman saying no to a move to Wigan Athletic despite the clubs agreeing a fee and Ciftci expressing a desire via agent Pierre van Hooijdonk to move to Parkhead, it came down to either the Hoops getting their man or having him run out his contract at United while signing a pre-contract with the Celts at the turn of the year.
A £1.5 million fee has now been agreed with the Scottish champions and, after Ciftci agrees personal terms, he will be on his way.
A statement from the clun said: “Dundee United today confirmed that an undisclosed fee had been agreed with Celtic for Nadir Ciftci and permission has been granted for the Glasgow club to speak to the player.”
Had there not been the fall-out from the January double deal for the Armstrong and Mackay-Steven, this would be without a doubt be seen as a great deal for United.
With only a year left on his United contract, the player had already told the Tannadice club he would not be staying beyond that point.
Significantly, Ciftci also has a serious disciplinary charge hanging over him for allegedly biting Dundee player Jim McAlister on the leg in the final derby of last season.
Of course, he could be exonerated but if found guilty it is likely he will be suspended for a substantial number of games.
The cash coming from Celtic is also roughly twice that St Johnstone received for their star man Stevie May when he moved to Sheffield Wednesday just last summer.
Therefore, the Hoops appear to have paid a “Scottish” premium for taking United’s player.
Many United supporters, however, will still be extremely unhappy at seeing yet another of their stars move to Celtic.