Celtic want Newcastle United to put their money where their mouth is over a bid for defender Stephen McManus.

The Daily Mail says the troubled Premier League club last week registered an interest in signing the Scotland defender.

In response, the SPL champions enquired over a player-plus-cash deal involving St James' Park left-back Jose Enrique.

With the Spaniard on wages of £40,000 a week, however, Celtic's interest diminished rapidly.

With other fringe players in Joe Kinnear's squad also earning more than the Parkhead club are willing to pay, Newcastle will now be told to offer cash - or back off.

Concerned by his treatment at the hands of some supporters in recent weeks, the lure of the Premier League and a huge hike in his current wage of £16,000 a week would be a significant attraction for Scotland's vice captain.