Celtic have warned Leeds they will fight to keep hold of manager Martin O'Neill.
The Ulsterman is top of Elland Road chairman Peter Ridsdale's wanted list to replace sacked United boss David O'Leary.
But the Parkhead club are adamant they will do everything they can to prevent O'Neill, who has guided them to two successive Premier League titles, leaving Glasgow.
A Celtic spokesman said: "It is safe to say if Leeds or any team approached us, the club would do everything in its power to keep Martin at Celtic."
Celtic players jetted off to Ireland this morning for two pre-season games in Dublin - but O'Neill was not on the plane with them.
The Celtic boss is understood to be already in Ireland in a move that prevented him answering more questions over his future yet only added to the speculation.
O'Neill is understood to be the man Leeds want to succeed O'Leary who was sacked more than a week ago, although so far there has been no confirmation of any official approach for the Celtic manager who has 11 months left on his contract.
PA