Larsson says no to Celtic return

Celtic appear unlikely to grab either Larsson (left) or Denilson

Celtic have failed in an attempt to bring Henrik Larsson back to Glasgow and played down reports of a move to sign Brazilian winger Denilson.

They appear unlikely to chase Denilson, poised to leave Bordeaux, despite him expressing an interest in the club.

Striker Larsson is leaving Barcelona to join Swedish club Helsingborg.

And Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "I spoke to Henrik and his agent, Rob Jansen, but three words into it I was told 'no'."

Larrson's two seasons at the Nou Camp since leaving Celtic ended on a high as he set up both goals in Barcelona's Champions League final victory over Arsenal.

But he had always expressed his desire to finish his career at his hometown club.

If Henrik had shown any interest in coming back, we'd have been keen to talk to him Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell

"There was no point pushing it any further as Henrik had made up his mind," Lawwell told the Daily Record.

"All I'll say is, if Henrik had shown any interest in coming back, we'd have been keen to talk to him."

Denilson's agent, Antonio Barerra, and Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud had both been quoted as saying that Celtic were interested in the winger, along with Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the French club's boss has since suggested that he had only heard of the links third hand.

Barerra has admitted that there had been no direct contact from Celtic, while sources at the Scottish champions have said there is no substance to the reports.

Denilson is available on a free transfer following a year with French side Bordeaux, who say they can no longer afford his wages.

The 28-year-old became the world's most expensive player when he moved from Sao Paulo to Real Betis for £21m.

He failed to make a significant impact in Spain but helped Bordeaux finish second in the French league this season.