The Football League chairman, Greg Clarke, has ruled out any chance of Celtic joining League One or the Championship.

A report yesterday claimed the Old Firm giant was so keen to join English football that they were in talks over a move into League One. However, sources at the club have insisted that is not the case and Clarke himself said it would be "disrespectful" to the Scottish football authorities to enter into any such talks.

"We have absolutely no intention of having any discussions with any club from another national league regarding membership of our competition," said Clarke. "This would be highly disrespectful to the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League and will not be countenanced by the Football League."