Bilic's Croatia are in the same World Cup qualifying group as England

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to talk to Celtic with a view to becoming Gordon Strachan's successor as manager.

Bilic is still under contract but agent Rudi Vata has told BBC Scotland the former Everton and West Ham defender is keen for a new challenge.

Former Celtic defender Vata says his client believes he could take the Glasgow club to the next level.

"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, who has never been a club manager, 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 Scottish Premier League title.

Strachan has recommended Motherwell manager Mark McGhee, who is also thought to be a target for manager-less Aberdeen.

Meanwhile, Swedish club Helsingborgs say they have had no approach from Celtic for Henrik Larsson to return to Parkhead in any capacity.

Former Celtic striker Larsson has another season on his contract with Helsingborgs but a recent television interview suggested he wanted to pursue a coaching career in Scotland.

Helsingborgs general manager Paul Myllenburg told BBC Scotland: "We haven't had any contact with Celtic.

"We know Henrik is looking to do something as a manager after he finishes playing with us, but he has this season still to go and we expect him to finish it with us".

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