He said: “Regarding possibilities, I prefer to stay silent as I did when Celtic signed me. This is a job of my agent.

“I have to confirm it’s 100% true that Manchester United were following me and were interested in me.

“It was Alex Ferguson directly who made contact with the Celtic directors.

“I am aware also that Manchester United and Celtic agreed for a meeting in July. We have to see what happens if I stay or I go.

“If I have the chance I welcome the move with open arms. If that is the case I will thank God and I will take my opportunity.”

Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists there has been no approach for Izaguirre or Israel midfielder Beram Kayal.

Lennon said in the Daily Record: “You’re always going to get speculation about your best players. I understand that.

“But there’s been no interest expressed in Beram or Emilio and I’ve had no one on the telephone enquiring about any other player if it comes to that.

“Every player has his price but I’m not prepared to sell my better ones and Emilio certainly comes into that category.”