Strachan will not leave - Lawwell

Gordon Strachan appears to be happy with Celtic

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell is confident manager Gordon Strachan will remain with the reigning Scottish champions for next season and beyond.

Strachan has been linked with a return to the Barclays Premiership after less than two years in Scotland.

But Lawwell told BBC Sport: "We've had absolutely no indication at all that Gordon wants to leave.

"He loves his job here and we are very confident he will be here for not just next year but for subsequent seasons."

Interview: Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell

Celtic are close to securing a second championship in a row under Strachan.

And Lawwell also confirmed that the club's summer spending plans are being carefully formulated.

"We've been constantly planning," he said.

Rangers will always be a threat to Celtic Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell

"We have a number of targets and we have got a scouting structure now that gives us fantastic coverage around Europe.

"They're all working very, very hard and hopefully we will be able to strengthen the squad the summer.

"Our commitment has always been to go forward and strengthen the squad.

"We know what we have - we've got a solid foundation financially and we know our targets and hopefully we'll be able to put those two things together."

Celtic's dominance of the Scottish Premier League over the past two seasons has left Rangers in the shade.

But, according to Lawwell, the Old Firm rivalry for the title will inevitably return next season.

"Fundamentally, Rangers will always be there," he said.

"I see these past couple of years as only a blip.

"In terms of the strength they have, the support that they have, and the financial wherewithal, Rangers will always be a threat to Celtic."