91Èȱ¬

Celtic manager Neil Lennon admits that Scott Allan is a player on his radar after the teenage midfielder turned down new terms at Dundee United.

And Tannadice boss Peter Houston believes the 19-year-old has taken the wrong advice from his agent.

Allan will be out of contract at the end of the season and free to talk with other clubs in January.

"He's come to my attention through our scouting system," said Lennon. "He has performed very well at SPL level."

Lennon was reluctant to comment further on the Scotland Under-21 international, who has featured in just three Scottish Premier League matches this season, having made his debut in the Europa League in July.

A frustrated Houston had more to say, telling 91Èȱ¬ Scotland: "Scotty's refused a contract, simple as that. We've made him a very, very good offer.

"I think he's taken the wrong advice in knocking it back because Dundee United is a club where, if you're good enough, you'll get moved on anyway.

"You look at players in the past who've come right through the youth ranks from 12 and 13: Keith Watson, Johnny Russell, David Goodwillie.

"The club look after them through their early years. It's all money out of the way.

"I feel with Scotty that, after two-and-a-half games, his agent's demands put him on a par with the higher earners here and that's a wee bit rich."

Earlier this month, Houston described speculation linking Allan with a move to the Old Firm as "absolute nonsense" and said he fully expected the player to accept the offer of a new deal.

He also said the midfielder, who has also been linked with Rangers and Newcastle United, was "nowhere near ready" to play first-team football with the Old Firm.

Indeed, Allan has not featured for Houston's side since a 13 August 5-1 hammering by Celtic and is unlikely to make the matchday squad against Hibernian this weekend.

Glasgow-born Allan has been with United since the age of 10 and spent time on loan with Forfar Athletic early last season, scoring once in three appearances.