Brendan Rodgers is confident that Moussa Dembele will remain a Celtic player beyond the transfer window.
Lyon have been in talks with Celtic about signing the French u-21 striker but with just over 24 hours remaining in the transfer window no deal has yet been struck.
Speaking to Radio Scotland before tonight’s match against Suduva the Celtic boss said: “At this moment in time we’ve had a significant offer which has been rejected. As I said the other day we don’t want Moussa to go. Talks are sttill going on but it’s difficult for any young player to be in the frame of mind…at this moment in time has been rejected.
“Hopefully by the end of play tomorrow we’ll have it resolved and hopefully Moussa is still in our squad and ready for the rest of the season.
“I’ve no percentage on it, we’ve had a significant offer, it’s been rejected, he’s a player that we don’t want to lose, it’s as simple as that.”
Asked if he had a replacement lined up the Celtic boss added: “No, when it comes so late in the day it’s very difficult to get the level of quality in, there’s not a huge list of players that can come in and replace the quality that Moussa gives us.
“It’s very hard to do that. The first official offer came in yesterday. At some point Moussa will go but we don’t want him to go now and I can’t see it happening.”
Dembele missed training yesterday with Brendan Rodgers looking very downbeat as he explained the absence at Wednesday’s media conference.
Lyon have for just over 24 hours to complete a transfer which appears to hinge on Celtic being able to bring in a replacement.
While the hoops attempt to solve that issue they appear close to completing the signing of former Kilmarnock midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu.
Leicester boss Claude Puel has admitted that he is open to the prospect of Filip Berkovic going out on loan with Celtic heavily linked with the Croatian defender.
CELTIC: Gordon; Lustig, Boyata, Ajer, Tierney; Brown, Ntcham; Johnston, McGregor, Sinclair; Griffiths
SUBS: Bain, Rogic, Gamboa, Christie, Izaguirre, Hayes
