Dundee United and Celtic have reached agreement on a loan deal for Ireland striker Antony Stokes.

United boss Mixu Paatelainen says that despite the agreement Stokes could go elsewhere with both Inverness and Hibernian also interested in the 27 year old.

"It's up to the player to decide. He's got loads of options. Obviously we're a bottom-of-the-table club. I don't think when you look at the league table that we are the favourites to get him," he said.

Stokes, who has nine Ireland caps, has made just two appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Dundee United are cast adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, a full 11 points behind second bottom Kilmarnock.