Miller and Larsson set to move south

Celtic could see two of their best players head south of the border in the summer following the news that Liam Miller is on the verge of signing a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United.

While Henrik Larsson’s departure when his contract expires at the end of this season – with Newcastle among those very keen to sign the Swede – has long been a matter of public fact, the prospect of Miller moving to Old Trafford at the same time is likely to unsettle Martin O’Neill.

The Celtic manager’s jubilation at finally landing Motherwell’s Stephen Pearson was quickly displaced as it emerged that Miller had decided against a new contract offer in favour of an offer from United.

A Celtic spokesman told the Press Association: “We have had no confirmation from Manchester United of any pre-contractual agreement.

“We made an extremely generous offer to Liam Miller, the biggest salary deal ever put on the table for a young Celtic player who has come up through the ranks.

“This offer was made following detailed consideration of Liam’s contribution to the team to date during his 16 first-team starting appearances as well as eventual potential.

“It is a salary package which would make him one of the very best-paid young players in Scottish football history.”

If Miller does arrive at Old Trafford, it would represent another major coup for United manager Alex Ferguson, who had been impressed with Miller’s mature performances since he broke into the first team at Parkhead.

The youngster has already scored five times this season, one of which was a stunning strike against Anderlecht in November, although he was left on the bench for Saturday’s Old Firm victory over Rangers.

O’Neill has been cautious with Miller due to his injury record in previous seasons.

But his rise to prominence continued when he was named in the Republic of Ireland squad for the home friendly with Canada on November 18.