Celtic have rejected a written transfer request from Stilian Petrov. The Bulgaria midfielder recently signed a three-and-a-half year contract but has since had a change of heart and wants to leave.

Petrov said: "I have told the club that I need to move on and I hope Celtic respect my wishes."

But a club spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have today received an official transfer request from Stilian Petrov. This has been rejected. We now look forward to Sunday's match (against Rangers)."

Manager Gordon Strachan believes the midfielder can be persuaded to stay at Celtic Park. He saw his own application to leave Man United rejected 14 years ago and is unfazed by the Bulgarian's move.

Strachan said: "It might be a worry that this could have an effect on the player and those around him. But, despite him wanting to move on, we are relaxed about it.

"You are talking to someone who asked Alex Ferguson for a move in 1992 and I was told to go forth and multiply. I was there the next two years, won a few more trophies and just got on with it."

Petrov has been linked with a number of clubs including German giants Bayern Munich where he is touted as a possible replacement for Michael Ballack who is likely to join Chelsea in the summer.