The Hoops refused to comment on the claims but the Baggies were unequivocal in their response, with a spokesman saying: "We have not received any official approach from Celtic regarding Tony Mowbray."

The statement was almost identical to another two released by the midlands club in the nine days since Gordon Strachan quit as Celtic manager.

Today's reports came hours after the Glasgow giants appeared to be priced out of a move for Swansea boss Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard's club have demanded more than £2million in compensation from Wigan, who want the 35-year-old to succeed Steve Bruce.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins told PA Sport: "Wigan asked for permission to speak to Roberto. They asked what compensation we would be looking for and we talked about different figures.

"I told them what I valued Roberto at and they told me what they thought - we were miles apart to say the least.

"I have not given them permission to talk to Roberto."

Jenkins revealed on Monday that Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell had sought permission to speak to Martinez, which was refused until the Swans supremo had discussed the matter with his manager.

Martinez, who only signed a five-year contract last year before guiding Swansea to eighth place in the Coca-Cola Championship, was due to return from holiday today.

But he has already distanced himself from comments attributed to him yesterday which claimed he would be interested in a move to Parkhead.

"No quotes from me are true because I have not spoken to the press," Martinez told the Western Mail.

Compensation is also thought to be a problem in any attempt to lure Mowbray from The Hawthorns.

It was suggested last week it could take as much as £1.6million to buy out his contract, though more recent reports claim it may only need around half that amount.

Mowbray has been one of the favourites for the Celtic job since it became available and the lack of any comment from the 45-year-old has only served to fuel speculation he is interested in the role.

Mowbray spent four years at Parkhead in the early 1990s and invented the famous 'Celtic Huddle'.

He would tick many of the boxes of both the club's board and fans, having prior links to the Hoops as well as being renowned for an attacking brand of football.

However, there are question marks over his adaptability after West Brom won the Championship last year only to finish rock-bottom of the Barclays Premier League this term.

But he would certainly appear less of a gamble than Martinez, who is one of the youngest managers in British football and who has no top-flight managerial experience.

Yet, former Celtic defender Steven Pressley believes age should not be an issue for the Hoops board.

"I think that if you're the right man, you have confidence in your ability and you treat players in the correct manner then you're ready for the job, regardless of age," said the 35-year-old, who revealed he would relish a return to Parkhead in a coaching capacity after announcing his retirement today.

Other names in the frame to succeed Strachan are Motherwell manager Mark McGhee - who said yesterday he had yet to be approached - and Dundee United boss Craig Levein.

Owen Coyle was thought to be Celtic's first choice but he pledged his commitment to Burnley before going on holiday at the weekend, although he is yet to sign a contract extension.

Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven general manager Jan Rekers claims the Dutch club are not set to offer Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink a move out of Parkhead.

It had been reported the striker was undergoing a medical with his former side, but that has been dismissed.

"I can confirm we have not spoken to Jan, his agent or his club," said Rekers.