West Bromwich Albion have rejected an approach from Celtic for manager Tony Mowbray.
The SPL runners-up have been repeatedly linked with Mowbray since Gordon Strachan left the club.
The Baggies have maintained that they do not want to let Mowbray move on, but have admitted that if Celtic match his release clause, reported to be £2 million, they will be powerless to prevent him heading for pastures new.
“After two weeks of speculation, I have finally received a call from Celtic chief executive, Peter Lawwell, requesting permission to speak to Tony,” Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace told the West Brom website.
“I made it absolutely clear that Celtic’s approach was not welcome because we have an ongoing project at Albion which Tony is an integral part.
“Tony’s style of play is a key factor in that project and that supporters have very much bought into it, as everyone saw by the terrific reception the fans gave Tony and the players after our final home game against Liverpool.
“It is also reflected by the fact we have already sold more that 16,000 season tickets for 2009/10
“We inserted a compensation figure when Tony signed a new contract 16 months ago to ensure that the club would be suitably recompensed in the event of any other club seeking his services.
“Most people would regard it as a fair figure. It was inserted in the contract in good faith and is non-negotiable because we don’t want to lose our manager.
“Celtic have been made aware of the compensation figure and if they agree to pay this, only then will I speak to Tony and get his thoughts on the situation.
“Until and unless that happens, as far as we are concerned, it is business as usual as we plan for a very important season ahead of us.
“We hope this is the end of the matter as we do not need any further, unwelcome distractions for the job in hand.”