Nottingham Forest were the club to have an offer for Rocco Vata rejected, according to a report.

It emerged on Wednesday night that Celtic had knocked back a six-figure bid from an unnamed Premier League side for the academy talent, insisting he is not for sale as the transfer deadline approaches.

Celtic want Vata to stay at Parkhead as he enters the final year of his contract, but the 18-year-old is believed to have grown frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities. He has been a regular fixture for the B team in the Lowland League.

But despite being included in the travelling squad for Celtic's pre-season tour of Japan, he has not been involved in the first team since. His situation has alerted various interested, with Club Brugge and Torino credited with an interest.

However, the Scottish Sun state that it was Forest who firmed up their interest with an offer, only to be rebuffed. The report says Celtic want to discuss a new contract with Vata, son of former Parkhead star Rudi, and while he has predominantly played out wide, the club see his future as a central striker.

It remains to be seen whether senior opportunities open up for the teenager under Brendan Rodgers this season, and if no fresh terms are agreed by New Year he will be free to sign a pre-contract elsewhere for summer 2024.

READ MORE: Luis Palma on Rangers link as Celtic star wanted 'one team'

Late incomings are currently the primary focus at Parkhead, with Liverpool's Nat Phillips joining on-loan until January earlier on Thursday. That follows the capture of winger Luis Palma from Aris on a five-year contract.

The Honduran was reportedly on Rangers' transfer radar earlier this summer, and he revealed his agent made him aware of interest.

But he maintains that once Celtic came to the table, they were the only club he wanted to join.

The 23-year-old said: “My agent told me there was contact with Rangers but when I knew of Celtic’s interest, I was only decided on one team and I wanted to come here.

"It [the derby] is important for me. Like all derbies, you have got to win, that's the most important thing."