Anthony Stokes is unlikely to move to Dundee United despite the Tannadice club agreeing a loan move with Celtic.

Mixu Paatelainen revealed that the clubs had agreed terms with the Scottish champions to take the forward until the end of the season.

However, STV understands that the player is keen to leave Scotland and play in England, with a host of Championship clubs interested in securing him on loan.

Hibernian and Inverness CT had also expressed an interest in the 27-year-old, who has fallen out of favour with the Scottish Premiership champions this season.

The Terrors are currently slumped at the foot of the top-flight table, with Paatelainen recently bemoaning their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

"A lot of clubs have been in contact who want to have Stokesy on their team," Celtic boss Ronny Deila said on Wednesday.

"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."