Celtic have turned down Gillingham’s move for teen star Karamoko Dembele.

The Gills have shown interest in the 16-year-old, who has made two substitute appearances for the Scottish giants.

It was an ambitious attempt from the Gills to lure away an England youth international who is highly thought of at Celtic.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon was asked about the interest and responded by saying: “They made an enquiry about it and it was turned down.”

Gillingham's Glaswegian boss Steve Evans - a big fan of Celtic - knows the Dembele family well.

He signed Karamoko’s brother Siriki for Peterborough last summer and was willing to give the teenager valuable first team experience.

Celtic feel he’s better placed with them, however.

He made his Celtic debut last season against Hearts and has also appeared for them in the Europa League, playing against Romanian side Cluj and becoming their youngest ever player to appear in European competition.

It looks set to be a busy day for the Gills on Friday, when the transfer window closes.

Gillingham have been linked with a number of players, including Peterborough United defender Rhys Bennett.

Striker Alex Jakubiak - on loan from Watford - could be heading out of the club with Scottish side St Mirren poised to take him on loan for the rest of the season.

The Gills have five loan players on their books and that’s the maximum they can name in a matchday squad.

Jakubiak’s exit would allow the Gills to bring in another loanee and Wolves winger Jordan Graham is believed to be close to completing a loan move.

More on the Gills;

We’re desperate for more says boss

Evans: We don’t want to lose our kids

Young striker leaves Gills for non-league side

Gills defender returns to the Buddies