Celtic sign Man United's Blackett on loan

Celtic's new signing Tyler Blackett unveiled on the pitch at half time Action Images via Reuters

Celtic have signed Manchester United's Tyler Blackett on a season long loan, the Scottish champions announced Saturday.

The 21-year-old defender, who previously had loan spells at lower league English clubs Blackpool and Birmingham, could be a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, linked heavily with a move to United's English Premier League rivals Southampton.

Glasgow giants Celtic made Blackett's move public on their website during the course of Saturday's Premiership game with St Johnstone.

And England Under-21 international Blackett was then introduced to the home crowd at Parkhead during half-time, receiving a huge cheer as he raised a Celtic scarf above his head.