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Barry Robson may leave United before the transfer window closes

Dundee United captain Barry Robson has been given permission to talk to Celtic after the clubs agreed a fee.

Robson - who has scored 12 goals from midfield so far this season - has also been the subject of a seven-figure bid from Nottingham Forest this week.

The SPL champions have matched the English League One side's offer, with United saying the 29-year-old is free to talk to both clubs.

Robson's favoured option is known to be a move to Parkhead.

Robson has been an influential figure for Craig Levein's men this season with the club sitting third in the table.

We will do everything in our power to keep him, but sometimes these things are taken out of your hands Stephen Thompson, Dundee Utd director

Both Levein and chairman Eddie Thompson are reluctant to sell the player with a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at St Mirren and a CIS Cup semi-final with Aberdeen looming.

United director Stephen Thompson told BBC Sport: "We have now received offers from two clubs and given Barry permission to speak to both Celtic and Forest.

"We will have a clearer picture later this afternoon as to what is happening."

Forest's bid for the former Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder came earlier this week with Thompson admitting he might not be able to hold on to Robson.

The United chairman said: "We have a seven-figure bid in for Barry from Nottingham Forest.

"The manager Craig Levein and I both have copies of the offer and will get together in the morning to go through it. We both want Barry to stay."

Thompson added: "We will do everything in our power to keep him, but sometimes these things are taken out of your hands."

Forest, managed by Colin Calderwood, are second in League One.

Championship side Burnley had a £750,000 offer for Robson rejected last week.

Robson has been at Tannadice since joining from Inverness for £50,000 in 2003.