Goal.com

The defensive midfielder's reputation continues to grow in Scotland and a number of Premier League clubs - including the Red Devils - are closely monitoring his progress

By Chris Myson

Victor Wanyama says he has heard about apparent interest in him from Premier League giants Manchester United but believes any talk of an imminent move is just speculation at this stage.

The Celtic midfielder is enjoying a growing reputation in the game since joining the SPL champions from Belgian side Beerschot AC for just £900,000 in the summer of 2011.

At the weekend, press reports suggested Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were keen to make a January move to sign the powerful Kenyan, who is also comfortable playing in defence.

Goal.com understands United have indeed scouted the player on more than one occasion but that any talk of a formal move is premature and not in the pipeline at this stage.

"I have heard a lot about my intended move to several clubs, the latest being Manchester United," Wanyama said to SuperSport.

"Personally I just think those are rumours. My focus now remains with my team Celtic, whom I want to help in both our domestic competitions and the Champions League.

"Leaving Celtic will not be easy. They cannot just let me go as easily as many people think they will.

"All in all am happy here and looking forward to continue playing for them as I work hard in my career."

Celtic are keen to extend Wanyama’s contract with the club to reward the 21-year-old for his rapid progress, even though his current deal does not expire until the summer of 2015, putting them in a strong position when it comes to negotiations with other clubs.

As well as United, Arsenal and Fulham have been credited in holding an interest, while QPR are the only Premier League club to have so far made an official offer for the player – the bid arriving in the closing stages of the summer transfer window - but Mark Hughes’ side were unsuccessful.

Celtic are believed to value Wanyama, who has recently spoken about how much he is loving the experience of playing at Champions League level, at over £9 million.

“When you play in Europe, it is a bonus,” he said last month.  “It is easier to be seen everywhere around the world because everyone in the world is watching the Champions League.

“Celtic is a big club and I am always happy to play here and at the moment I am really happy.

“When you look at the support from the fans and the atmosphere for the Champions League games, you cannot get better than it is here. It is perfect and the excitement gives you more energy to keep on going.”