Lawwell rejects transfer war talk

Lawwell said it was no surprise the Old Firm pursued the best talent

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insists the club are not engaged in an Old Firm transfer war with Rangers.

The SPL champions beat their Old Firm rivals to sign Scott Brown from Hibernian for £4.4m.

Both clubs have also expressed an interest in Kilmarnock's 20-year-old striker Steven Naismith.

But Lawwell said: "It's inevitable both Old Firm clubs will try to sign the best talent in Scotland. It shouldn't surprise anyone. There's no war."

Celtic have signed Brown, former Motherwell striker Scott McDonald and are battling Rangers to sign Naismith.

However, Lawwell said Celtic were not locked in a transfer battle.

I read somewhere that Celtic were 'at war' with Rangers over Steven Naismith, and that's just nonsense Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell

"The fact Celtic and Rangers go for top players in Scotland shouldn't surprise anyone," said Lawwell.

"The nature of the transfer market nowadays means we are focusing more on domestic-based players.

"There's no war. I read somewhere that Celtic were 'at war' with Rangers over Steven Naismith, and that's just nonsense."

Lawwell said Celtic were interested in Naismith, but had yet to make an offer.

Reports in Italy suggested Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was preparing a £5m raid for Serie A players Gennaro Delvecchio and Massimo Donati.

Celtic's chief executive would not be drawn on specific targets, but said: "We know the positions we want to strengthen.

"We have a number of targets and we will go out and try to deliver them to Gordon."