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Neil Lennon insists Celtic are in a "strong position" to retain Kieran Tierney after Arsenal were rebuffed in their pursuit of the defender.

The Gunners lodged several bids, one said to be up to £25million for the Scotland left-back, but saw all of them dismissed by Parkhead chiefs.

The London club met the Hoops' valuation of the player with their last bid, but only made that fee via a series of add-ons that would eventually raise the value of the deal, which saw Celtic reject the offer.

Reports on Tuesday say the Premier League big guns are now ready to turn their attention elsewhere, and Lennon hopes that will be the end of the matter.

Tierney was understood to be interested in a switch to the Emirates but is unwilling to force an exit from his boyhood club.

Napoli have have also been linked with a move, but The Daily Mail report they have decided against firming up their interest with a bid.

(Image: SNS)

It's claimed Napoli valued Tierney at £19million, well short of Celtic's £25m price-tag.

But speaking at today's press conference, Lennon was optimistic of his side's chances of keeping the left-back at the club for the upcoming season.

The Hoops boss said: "It's as you were really. I've had no information other than there was two bids that came in from Arsenal that were rejected.

"There has been no further inroads into that really. Our valuation of Kieran wasn't met and it's as simple as that. You will see other transfers not going through because valuations haven't been met. It's not a case of Arsenal being disrespectful.

"They put a bid in that they valued the player at. They came back again and obviously see Kieran as a very good player, as we do. But on a long-term contract we're in a very strong position when it comes to Kieran."