Celtic have been given the go-ahead to take Manchester United starlet James Wilson on loan from January.

Ronny Deila was keen to snap up the 19-year-old for a season in the last transfer window but the move fell through because the striker hadn’t yet committed to a new deal at Old Trafford.

However, Wilson has subsequently committed his future with United until 2017 – a development that looks set to pave the way for a five-month secondment with the Scottish champions.

James Wilson, pictured training with England U21s on Monday, will join Celtic on a five-month loan in January

Wilson has played just once for United this season following the arrival of £36million-man Anthony Martial

Louis van Gaal (second right) is happy for Wilson to continue his development away from Old Trafford

Wilson, who has represented England at every level from under 16 to under 21, scored twice on his first-team debut for United against Hull in May of last year and netted a further two goals in 17 appearances last term.

But with the £36million signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco, Wilson has been restricted to just a substitute appearance in the 3-0 defeat by Arsenal so far this term.

Both the player and his manager, Louis van Gaal, are open to the idea of his talent developing elsewhere, with the move to Celtic removing the possibility that the player could damage his parent club.

Deila, who has already taken Tyler Blackett on loan from Old Trafford for this season, remains light in terms of attacking options.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila already has one Manchester United loanee on his books - defender Tyler Blackett

There will be a familiar face at Celtic when Wilson arrives in fellow Manchester United youngster Blackett

Leigh Griffiths has already taken his tally for the season into double figures but with Nadir Ciftci yet to impress and Anthony Stokes out of the picture, the need for competition is clear.

Former Chelsea and West Ham striker Carlton Cole had been training with Celtic until he sustained a training-ground injury.