Celtic boss Ronny Deila does not expect Stefan Johansen to leave

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has rebuffed claims that compatriot Stefan Johansen could be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Newspaper reports in Norway have suggested the former Stromsgodset midfielder is a target for several clubs in the German Bundesliga and the English Premier League.

Deila, whose side host Kilmarnock on Wednesday night, coached Johansen at Stromsgodset and believes the 24-year-old is settled at Celtic Park for the time being.

Johansen has scored 12 goals this season and has become a key player for Celtic, with Deila hoping to mould his team around the Norway international.

Deila said: "That's news for me but the Norwegian press is very good at talking up players so they can continue with that.

"Stefan has a big potential, and he knows what it's all about now, it's to perform all the time at Celtic.

"He has only been at Celtic for less than a year and a half. He was at Stromsgodset for three years before he moved on.

"One thing he does well is he's starting to be a leader on the pitch. I think he can improve more here, he hasn't been in the Champions League yet and he can play in more European cup games so Celtic is still the right place for him.

"He's a player I want to build a future around, one of them, and that's why I'm not so very interested in talking about a move to Germany or Italy or whatever it is.

"He has learned during his career, he has had periods that haven't been so fun, and not everything is about moving on.

"When you enjoy a place and enjoy being there a lot of players have to think about why they are good there, why am I enjoying it, because that's more important than fighting for the big money all the time and always moving on.

"When you sit on the bench or in the stands unhappy then money is nothing. I think Stefan understands that he is happy at Celtic. He really enjoys it and there's a very good atmosphere in the dressing room.

"There's a very good togetherness there and that's what we want to build on."

But one player whose future is uncertain is on-loan Manchester City defender Jason Denayer, who could offer little insight into where he would be playing his football next season.

"I don't know, I need to see at the end of the season what happens," Denayer said.

When quizzed further on his priorities should a first-team place with City prove elusive, the Belgium international said: "Of course, playing games and keep improving.

"I came to play games and this is what I do. I also came for trophies and I have won one already and hopefully two more. "

Deila was more certain on what Denayer's next move should be.

"He's nearly 20 years old, he should stay here and play for maybe one or two more years then take the next step," the Hoops boss said.

"That's what I would do but then again not everyone listens to me."

Celtic can open up an eight-point gap on second-placed Aberdeen when they host Killie and Deila has urged his players to savour the run-in as they continue to chase the treble.

"We have worked so hard now for so many months to get to this position and we have to really enjoy it," he said.

"It's a big, big opportunity and we are going into some very important games. I have real confidence in my players.