Celtic manager Ronny Deila has told Hibernian they face stiff competition in their bid to sign striker Anthony Stokes.

The Irishman is free to leave the Scottish champions this month on loan, and Hibs have confirmed formal talks have begun.

Stokes former boss John Hughes wants to link up with the forward again and keep him in the Scottish Premiership while clubs in England are also monitoring the situation.

The 27-year-old scored 22 goals in the capital six years ago and Stubbs is keen for the player to return to the capital to help his teams top flight promotion bid.

"We think he will go on loan," Deila said ahead of Friday night's trip to Dundee United.

"He has some options but together with Stokesy we haven't decided what is the right one yet.

"A lot of clubs have been in contact who want to have Stokesy on their team.

"We will see what Anthony wants and what is best for the club. He is happy to go out on loan. He wants to get some games under his belt.

"It's important for everybody he finds himself, gets some good performances and can then perform for Celtic again.

"Does he still have a Celtic future? Yeah, everybody has that.

"He has a contract with the club and Stokesy knows the things he has to take care of.

"Hopefully he will get a good run of games, score some goals and get back in good confidence and the best shape he can be in."

Kristoffer Ajer and Andrei Peteleu enjoyed trial stints with Celtic last week and Deila says both players performed well with the Norwegian ready to make decisions on the duo soon.

He said: "I think both of them [Ajer and Peteleu] did well and he [Ajer] is a young talent. It's a thing for the future of course but we will see whats happening and if well do something more.

We will decide in January if well do something or not so well have to wait and see.

Midfielder Tom Rogic has been linked with a move to Championship side Leeds Untied but Celtic boss Deila is determined to keep the Australian international in Glasgow for a long time to come.

"I haven't heard so much about that," Deila said.

"But what I do know is that we want to re-sign Tom and have him here for the future.

"He's made a lot of progress and we see a lot of potential in him.

"He can do much better because he has only played for six months after being out for a year before that. "He needs time so he's going to stay here with Celtic."