Burnley on Wednesday insisted Celtic had made no approach for their manager as speculation grew that Owen Coyle would be unveiled at Parkhead by the end of the week.
Coyle is reported to have held talks with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell shortly after leading Burnley into the Barclays Premier League.
Burnley though insist that Celtic have yet to make their move, officially at least, and said in a statement: "Contrary to widespread speculation, Burnley Football Club has not received any official approach from Celtic for the services of manager Owen Coyle. Nor will the club welcome any approaches for Coyle, who remains under contract at Turf Moor."
Coyle's lifelong allegiance to Celtic is well known and this is likely to pull him towards Parkhead rather than a shot at the Premier League.
The former Republic of Ireland international has previously spoken of his regret at missing out on playing for the club during a career which took in the likes of Airdrie, Bolton, Motherwell and Dundee United.
This opportunity to manage his boyhood heroes may be the only one that comes his way.
As well as promotion, Coyle took Burnley to the Carling Cup semi-finals and the last 16 of the FA Cup during his first full season in charge.
And his work has not gone unnoticed among the Celtic squad as defender Gary Caldwell's brother, Steven, is an integral part of the Clarets team.
Celtic striker Scott McDonald said: "He's done a fantastic job.
"We've seen a lot of them on TV and they've played some great stuff at times."
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