Friday 6 January 2017 14:00, UK
Celtic's valuation of Moussa Dembele is far higher than the £20m which West Ham reportedly offered for the player.
The Hammers hinted in an article on their website they had made a near club-record offer for the France Under-21 striker, but Celtic say they have not received any official bid - and would not welcome one at the sum suggested by West Ham.
Dembele, 20, has scored 19 goals since arriving from Fulham in the summer on a four-year contract and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has previously stated he would not be sold in January.
When asked about West Ham's interest, Celtic's assistant manager Chris Davies said: "That was definitely well below his valuation, that's for sure. The manager spoke pretty clearly on that situation previously.
"There has been no formal bid or anything like that. It is at the moment speculation but it's well below the valuation of the club.
"The message has been pretty clear from the manager, he spoke about it last month. For us, we know this is the best place for Moussa to develop and improve. He is still 20-years-old, he has development left in him.
"He has had a fantastic first six months, he has absolutely loved it and there is so much more to come from us as a team and for Moussa Dembele at Celtic. That's what we are concentrating on.
"Obviously, when you are doing well and especially when you are a striker, then there is going to be big money and talk thrown about a lot, especially during transfer windows. But we can't control that, we just have to concentrate on trying to develop him as a player."
Celtic's record transfer income was a £13m deal for Virgil van Dijk but they have since seen his value soar inside 18 months amid speculation the Southampton defender could move for four times that amount.
Davies said: "We don't need to panic and sell players under their valuation.
"Ultimately any player in the world has a valuation that clubs set. But the club operates very efficiently and will take everything into consideration based on all the facts. But it's all hearsay for now. Moussa is happy and we are working hard."
