Slaven Bilic would welcome talks with Celtic over becoming Gordon Strachan’s successor as manager, according to his agent Rudi Vata.

Bilic is still under contract with the Croatia national team but former Hoops defender Vata has revealed the ex-Everton and West Ham centre back is looking for a new challenge.

“Slaven is certainly available to talk to Celtic but we have not heard anything,” said Vata. “He would be keen for a new challenge and is well aware of the club and the passion of its supporters. He thinks he could take Celtic to the next level. We will wait and see.”

Bilic has never managed at club level but led Croatia to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after topping a qualification group which included England and Russia.

The 40-year-old began his coaching career with the Croatia Under-21 side in 2004 and was promoted to senior team duties two years later.

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray and Burnley manager Owen Coyle have been heavily linked with the Celtic job since Strachan resigned on Monday after the club had missed out on a fourth successive Premier League title.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is another possible option, though he is thought to be favourite to take over at Aberdeen.