The Tigers placed the undisclosed offer to the powers-that-be at Town on Sunday, but found their approach dismissed out of hand by Robins chairman Andrew Fitton.

The County Ground supremo once again emphasised talismanic hotshot Austin is not for sale.

Speaking to the Advertiser yesterday, Fitton said: “Hull City made an offer for Charlie Austin 48 hours ago and it was immediately rejected.

“Charlie Austin is not for sale. We are close to Charlie and his agent and we discuss the best for his future, and I am sure he’s in complete agreement.”

The Advertiser understands Austin tops a six-man wish list for Hull boss Nigel Pearson, which also includes Leicester’s Matty Fryatt and Peterborough duo Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean.

City are hopeful of securing two of their six selections as they maintain aspirations of reaching the Championship play-offs.

And the Humberside club, who have recently benefited from a major takeover by businessmen Assem and Ehab Allam, want their targets signed and sealed ahead of an early delivery once the transfer window swings open in January.

Meanwhile, Austin has laughed off suggestions Scottish Premier League outfit Celtic are chasing his signature.

With the rumour mill starting to kick into gear, the 21-year-old has been linked with half of the clubs in the Championship and one or two in England’s top tier.

But it is murmurs of a switch north of the border which has Austin most entertained.

“When you hear about Celtic you think ‘they’re Champions’ League, come on,” he said. “It’s nice having clubs after you but you try and concentrate and not let that get in your head.

“You have to concentrate on your football and keep on helping the team.

The front man said negotiations are continuing between Town and his agent over rejigging his current deal with Swindon.

In the meantime he is happy to focus on the matter in hand - guiding the Robins up the League One table.

“Talks are still going between me, my agent and the club,” he said.

“I’m just concentrating on my football and if people want to say stuff about me footballing-wise, whatever, I’ve got no worries.

“If they want to keep talking they can.”