Celtic have been sent a transfer warning in the pursuit for long time defensive target Mark McKenzie.

As quoted by Sun Sport, American journalist Jonathan Tannenwald has said the Hoops shouldn’t expect to get the Philadelphia Union centre-back on a cheap fee in the January window.

“Let’s say this as bluntly as possible: Celtic fans need to get over the idea that they’re going to get Mark McKenzie for a cheap price.

“And ‘cheap price’ doesn’t just mean the absurdly low $1.25 million fees some Celtic fans thought was possible earlier this year.

“It means the full price that teams from England or Germany will offer to attract McKenzie to a higher level of soccer.

“It’s fine that McKenzie told Sky Sports this month he knows Celtic helped develop Liverpool ’s Virgil van Dijk into the world’s best centre back.

“But he can do better, and so can the Union — and that will be especially true if Celtic slips up any more this season.”

The Scottish Champions have reportedly been watching the USA international – who has two caps for his national team – since the summer and actually opted to sign Shane Duffy instead of completing a move for the 21-year old.

McKenzie admitted in an interview with Sky Sports that he would be open to a move to Glasgow and is aware of the interest when speaking to Sky Sports.

However, Neil Lennon faces competition from leagues such as the Bundesliga and the English Premier League in an attempt to sign him.

The American certainly looks like a top talent that Celtic would be smart in making a move for. Unfortunately it may be too little too late, with other clubs becoming interested but the club should still be doing all they can to get McKenzie in the January window.