Celtic Seal Ciftci Swoop

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Celtic have confirmed the signing of Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci.

The Scottish champions announced the former Turkish youth international had signed a four-year contract.

Celtic had a third bid for the 23-year-old accepted earlier this week and he will now be free to play in their Champions League opener against Stjarnan next Wednesday.

Ciftci, the third player to move from Tannadice to Parkhead this year after Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong, netted 33 goals in two seasons at United following his move from NAC Breda.

The former Portsmouth player had 12 months left on his Tannadice contract and had rejected the offer of a new deal.

Ciftci last week turned down the chance to speak to Wigan after the Sky Bet League One club had an offer accepted. His agent, former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk, then revealed he was interested in a move to Parkhead.

While Ciftci will provide competition for Leigh Griffiths, Stefan Scepovic and Anthony Stokes for Celtic's European campaign, he could be forced to sit out the start of the domestic season.

The striker, who has represented both Holland and Turkey at youth level, faces a Scottish Football Association disciplinary hearing on July 20 over allegations that he bit Jim McAlister when United beat Dundee in the final game of last season.

Ciftci received 11 bookings and one red card last season, but he twice escaped punishment after being cited by SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan on charges of violent conduct against both Inverness defender Gary Warren and Celtic skipper Scott Brown, who accused the striker of kicking him in the head.

The powerful and skilful forward is Celtic manager Ronny Deila's fourth summer signing following defenders Dedryck Boyata and Saidy Janko and Belgian goalkeeper Logan Bailly, who arrived at Parkhead 24 hours earlier.