The Hoops manager is in no hurry to lose any of his top stars this month but is realistic enough to know the Scottish champions are no different from any other club in the current financial climate.

They may not be in the same position as Old Firm rivals Rangers, who have admitted they need to off-load one of their star players in the January transfer window to balance the books.

But Strachan knows if a bumper offer landed on the table for one of his own players, Celtic may find themselves in a position where they cannot afford to say no.

He said: "If Kaka is for sale, then Mick is for sale, trust me. I wouldn't like to give you that 'no-one is for sale' rubbish.

"We all say that but, if Kaka is for sale, then anybody is for sale. It's a question that should be redundant now.

"If someone knocked on the door with an offer of £30million for one of my players, I would say 'there's the door'.

"So I wouldn't say no one is for sale, that's for sure."

McManus has been linked with a move to Newcastle but Strachan insists no cash offers have been made for any of his players so far.

"When we asked about a player, there was an enquiry about someone from our place to go on loan for about six months," he said.

"But that's not going to happen. There have been no bids."

Strachan believes the current worldwide recession has crippled the transfer market so far this month, adding: "It's a dead market in Scotland.

"I think everybody is scared of what is going to happen next year.

"Economics are saying that no one is taking a chance anywhere.

"I think we are all playing poker at the moment, seeing who is bluffing and who isn't.

"There is nothing too exciting out there to be honest."

Cardiff manager Dave Jones claims he has spoken to Strachan about Willo Flood, revealing: "Celtic thought Willo was Dundee United's player, so they approached them first. Now Gordon has come to us, but no bid has been made."

But the Celtic boss refused to be drawn on a potential move for the midfielder, who has been on loan at Dundee United since 2007.

"There are just rumours and bits and bobs," he said.

"Dundee United are a club that I admire and respect and they have good players, a lot of good players."

Strachan is painfully aware of just how good United have been this season, having so far failed to register a win against Craig Levein's men this term as they prepare to do battle in the semi-final of the Co-operative Insurance Cup tomorrow night.

"We were pleased with our performance against Hibs at the weekend and so we should be," said Strachan.

"But we are very aware now that we are playing against a team who we have not beat this year.

"To get to the final, we must beat them. We are focused.

"It's a test for everyone who plays against Dundee United. They have a good team spirit, good players and they are well-organised."

Celtic first-team coach Neil Lennon has confirmed the Scottish champions' interest in Flood, who he believes can provide cover for Shunsuke Nakamura.

Nakamura is set to return to his native Japan at the end of the season, leaving a hole on the right of the Hoops midfield.

Lennon told Celtic TV: "He is a player we've been keeping an eye on.

"Whether or not a deal gets done is still to be determined. We're hopeful maybe we can get him in.

"Willo played very well against us a fortnight ago. He can pass the ball and is a very fit boy who can play right side or central.

"We do lack a bit on the right-hand side. If you take Naka out of the team, you are looking at maybe Scott Brown to play that role.

"But we're loathe to put Brownie out there because he is playing so well centrally.

"Willo might fill that position."