Celtic linked to Livingston star Fernandez

Livingston have still to be approached by Celtic for striker David Fernandez - but manager Jim Leishman is resigned to losing Oscar Rubio.

Parkhead boss Martin O’Neill has once again been linked with a move for the highly-rated Spaniard as he plans for next season’s Champions League.

But his Almondvale counterpart today denied that they had received an offer from the Scottish champions.

‘‘There’s nothing in that,’’ Leishman said. ‘‘Nobody has spoken to me and I know nobody has spoken to David Hay, who is on holiday.

‘‘Until Celtic make an offer then there’s not a lot we can do. Every player has a price and we would listen.

‘‘We would have to sell if the right offer comes in, but everybody knows what a good player he is and I would be disappointed to see him go.’’

Leishman also concedes that defender Rubio could also be on his way after rejecting an offer of a new contract.

The Spaniard’s deal expires during the summer, but it appears he will quit rather than stay for a crack at the UEFA Cup with Livingston next season.

‘‘We’re still speaking to him,’’ added Leishman. ‘‘His agent comes in this week.

‘‘We rate him highly, but we don’t think he is going to stay. I think he has set his heart on a move.’’

Leishman is now trying to rebuild his squad after releasing a number of first-team players last week including Steve Tosh and John Anderson.