Celtic kicked out out a last-minute bid from Leicester City for Callum McGregor - according to a report.
Brendan Rodgers was desperate to reunite with his former Hoops protege and made a deadline day move but the Hoops had no interest in selling their pass master.
The Foxes were willing to pay £20million for the Scotland international as the Irishman eyed a reunion with one of his key Celtic men.
But the Premiership champions stood firm on the day the sold left-back Kieran Tierney to Arsenal in a £25m deal and weren't willing to part with another marquee player.
And Dermot Desmond is said to have contacted the former Hoops boss directly to tell him the midfielder wasn't for sale at any price.
Leicester did sign Belgian international Dennis Praet on deadline but it's understood McGregor was the man Rodgers was desperate to pair alongside record signing Youri Tielemans in the heart of his Leicester midfield.
The Celtic star took his game to the next level under his former manager and the Daily Mail claim the player was keen to speak to the Premier League side but understood the Hoops' transfer stance.
Leicester have the cash to splash after the £80m sale of Harry Maguire to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Neil Lennon is eyeing five new signings after Tierney's mega-money move to the Premier League.
He said: “We’ll look to bring another left-back in, no question.
“A right back as well. And a left winger. And a right winger. And maybe a centre forward.”
