The SPL leaders were intent on entering the race to sign 6ft 5ins Lafferty once the transfer of striker Daniel Cousin to Fulham had been completed.

But that deal collapsed yesterday when the world football's governing body refused to sanction the move as, under their rules, a player cannot appear for more than two clubs in one season. Cousin had previously performed for Lens before making the switch to Ibrox.

Now, Gers boss Walter Smith must decide whether he wants to use any of the £9 million from the sale of defender Alan Hutton to Tottenham to purchase talented Lafferty.

Burnley have slapped a price tag of £4 million on the 20-year-old Fermanagh man's head.

Gordon Strachan's Celtic have already had their offer of £2.75 million plus Derek Riordan rejected by the Turf Moor club.

And it looks as though Strachan, who had a bid for Lafferty turned down 13 months ago, will not try and make it third time lucky in his pursuit to sign the Kesh ace.

The SPL champions yesterday signed out of favour Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras on loan until the end of the season.