Celtic refuse to comment on 'Scott Brown for sale' rumours

• The report said Brown is understood to be 'devastated'

It has been claimed Mowbray met Brown before Christmas and revealed his plan to the 24-year-old Scotland international, who has long been plagued by an ankle problem.

Brown told the Daily Record: "Yes, there was a conversation between myself and the manager but I am not prepared to go into details.

"I believe these things should remain private. Maybe you should ask him what was said. I have nothing more to add."

Celtic would neither confirm nor deny the story this morning.

Brown underwent ankle surgery in the summer but the operation failed to solve the problem and he has been out of action for almost three months after going under the knife for a second time.

He is back running and close to returning to full fitness.

Brown played under Mowbray at Hibernian and was sold to Celtic for 4.5million in the summer of 2007 nine months after the former's departure for West Brom.

He became one of the Hoops' key men under Gordon Strachan but has been linked with moves to Tottenham and Birmingham.

Mowbray is the middle of overhauling the squad he inherited from Strachan last summer.

Last week saw him offload Gary Caldwell, Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Willo Flood, as well as bringing in Dutch defender Jos Hooiveld.

Mowbray confirmed last night the club will announce a new signing today, believed to be 19-year-old Norway Under-21 defender Thomas Rogne.

The Celtic boss also denied the club were planning to land Arsenal's Philippe Senderos on loan.

Meanwhile, the Hoops have been linked with Nigerian teenager Rabiu Ibrahim.

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder's agent, Bertrand Ekenwa, said in the Daily Express: "We have offers from Celtic, who are very keen on him, as well as interest from leading clubs throughout Europe, so we will not be rushed into anything.

"The kid is a very talented player with all the potential to be a world superstar."

• Read more transfer news and gossip in the Rumour Mill