Celtic withdraw from race Novo signature

Celtic have withdrawn from the race for Dundee striker Nacho Novo after Rangers manager Alex McLeish insisted the next move for the Spaniard would be decided by the player himself.

The Hoops matched the Dark Blues’ asking price for the 25-year-old, allowing Novo to speak to the Scottish Premier League champions on Tuesday.

But, after initial discussions, the Parkhead club have decided against pursuing any further negotiations with the forward.

Novo is reportedly keen to link up with former Dundee team-mates Zura Khizanishvili and Gavin Rae at Ibrox. However, Dundee have rejected a £350,000 bid from Rangers for the player.