BRENDAN Rodgers tonight revealed that Celtic have rejected a "significant offer" for Moussa Dembele - then stated that he couldn't see the French striker leaving the Parkhead club.

Rodgers confirmed yesterday that the Scottish champions had given Dembele and his representatives official permission to speak to Lyon following talks at Celtic Park.

However, the Northern Irishman stressed the 22-year-old would only be allowed to depart if the Ligue 1 club matched their valuation and an adequate replacement could be brought in before the transfer window closed tomorrow night.

The France Under-21 player, who was signed from Fulham for a £500,000 fee two years ago, agreed personal terms with the Groupama Stadium club quickly yesterday.

But Rodgers told how an initial bid from the Rhone club had been turned down and predicted Dembele would be staying in Glasgow before the second leg of the Europa League play-off against Suduva tonight.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Rodgers said: "We have had a significant offer for Moussa Dembele which has been rejected, he's a player we don't want to lose, it's as simple as that

"We don't want Moussa to go and I can't see it happening. There's not a huge list of players that can come in and offer the qualities Moussa gives us. It's very hard within three days (to the Scottish transfer window closing) to do that."

Elsewhere, the former Swansea City and Liverpool manager confirmed Celtic were closing in on Youssouf Mulumbu, the Congolese midfielder who played for Kilmarnock last season.

Mulumbu, the former Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion player who is a free agent, is undergoing a medical in Glasgow this evening.

Rodgers added: "We were always on the lookout for a really aggressive number eight to play midfield.

"Youssouf was exceptional last year, he was very keen to come and play at a huge club and fits the profile and has the experience of being up here. All being well, it'll be a really good move for us."