Icelandic international Alfred Finnbogason has stated that he will remain at Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen for the rest of the season.
His announcement kills off hopes of Celtic, Everton and a host of other sides across Europe who hoped to swoop for the striker in the January transfer window.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon travelled to Holland to watch Finnbogason in action two weeks ago and hoped the Scottish giants could nip in in front of their rivals to snap the highly sought-after goal-poacher, but will now have to turn his attention for a striker who can help his side challenge at the highest level elsewhere.
Finnbogason’s agent Kees Ploegsma said the forward has been in contact with a number of clubs, but that his man will remain in Holland for the rest of the season. Among the clubs interested in the striker are Celtic, Everton, Spanish side Villarreal and Italian giants AC Milan and Roma.
Ploegsma admitted that there has been contact with several teams, but that no club has made direct contact with Heerenveen. He added that he thinks his man will move on in June.
Finnbogason has scored 17 times this season and the Dutch side will be hoping for a bidding war among clubs looking to prize their man away.