Larsson reports played down

Last updated : 08 December 2003 By Martyn Elliott

A report in The Sun claimed that Sir Bobby has made a tentative enquiry about the 32-year-old former Sweden international and will make a £3million bid should the Bhoys go out of Europe.

Rob Jansen has though insisted that his client will see out his contract, which expires in the summer, and then consider his options.

Jansen told BBC Sport: "This suggestion is completely ridiculous. Henrik will finish his career in Scotland with Celtic at the end of this season.

"He will not leave Celtic in January and will stay at the club until the end of the season.

"Of course he will consider offers from the Premiership if they come in then."

Larsson has scored a staggering 218 times in 280 games for Celtic and, whatever you think about the standard of Scottish football, it is difficult to find any argument that suggests that he is anything other than a world class striker.

Meanwhile, another alleged United transfer target, Jermain Defoe, has hinted that he is ready to move back to the Premiership.

"I know I'm good enough to play in the Premiership," Defoe told The Times.

"I've done it. I've scored goals in it. My friends have moved on and when you hear that some of the big clubs might be interested, you can't help but think about it."