McManus enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Championship side last season after he was recruited by his former Hoops` boss. Boro have yet to agree a fee with the Parkhead club for the player but Strachan is bullish about the prospect of adding the Scotland defender to his squad.
"Stephen wants to be here and we want him to be here," Strachan told the Evening Gazette. "We will make it happen one way or another. But I can't say when it will happen."
Meanwhile, talks between the Parkhead club and South Korea international Cha Du-ri are continuing.
The 29-year-old defender, available on a free transfer from German side Freiburg, remains positive as he said: "I am excited about playing for Celtic and living in Glasgow.
"Celtic are a big club and have a good chance of winning trophies.
"And I really want to play in a Glasgow derby. Even in Germany, people talk about the Old Firm game so to actually play in one would be amazing."
Source: PA
Source: PA