Celtic have rejected a £9 million bid from a Premiership club for midfielder Scott Brown.

The Daily Record says the offer - a one-off cash payment - was made by a third party ahead of the Parkhead club's qualifier against Spartak Moscow.

It's believed a Premiership club sanctioned the move, with the likes of Everton, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Spurs all known admirers of the player signed from Hibs for £4.5m just two months ago.

It is understood Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell rejected the deal instantly and did not even bother to ask the third party for the identity of the mystery club.