CLARETS boss Owen Coyle insists there has been no bid from Rangers for striker Kyle Lafferty amid speculation north of the border that the Glasgow giants could make a late move for the Northern Ireland international.

Sources in Scotland say Gers boss Walter Smith has turned his attentions to Lafferty after missing out on Greek striker Georgios Samaras, who moved to the Hoops on loan yesterday.

But Coyle said: "We have had no bid whatsoever from Rangers for Kyle."

The Clarets have already rejected a bid from Celtic for the youngster - who is a Rangers fan - with a £3 million-plus offer with forward Derek Riordan thrown in, turned down.

And Celtic assistant Tommy Burns refused to rule out a return for Lafferty, which could prompt a bidding war with their Old Firm rivals.

He said: "I've no insight into the signing policies but I would think that if we can't get Kyle Lafferty now, we might try to get him in the summer or whenever the opportunity comes."