Robson, who was United’s captain, has hit 12 goals already this season, including seven in his last five appearances.

Robson becomes Celtic's third signing of the week, following the deals bringing Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno to Glasgow from JEF United and Greek striker Georgios Samaras on loan from Manchester City.

Celtic’s Jim O’Brien moves in the opposite direction, joining United on loan until the end of the season.

Nottingham Forest were the first club to lodge a seven-figure offer for Robson but the Scotland squad player favoured a move to Celtic.

Hoops boss Gordon Strachan made his move this morning, as Celtic followed up their interest with a firm bid.

United manager Craig Levein confirmed he and chairman Eddie Thompson had wanted to keep Robson.

Levein said: “Both myself and the chairman would have preferred Barry to remain a Dundee United player, but he made it abundantly clear on a number of occasions that he wanted to move on.

“He felt that at his age, he had one last chance of a major contract and we couldn’t persuade him otherwise.

“He’s a fantastic player, greatly admired by the chairman and myself and we wish him well in his future career.”