"In an unprecedented move, the [Celtic] board met with Scott and gave him an offer too good to refuse," WMG football chief Steve Horvat said.

"He was willing to have a change of scenery and a new adventure.

"At the 11th hour, they came back with a counteroffer we weren't willing to go with.

"It is a pity because we feel, being football people, we know what he can bring to the club.

"The players we've been looking at are about setting the culture. That's super important and can't be understated.

"And thankfully, that's what someone like Kone brings."

Horvat said it wasn't a case of pursuing either Kone, 31, or Brown, with the new side delighted to land either.

Kone started in Greece's group games at the 2014 World Cup as they reached the knockout rounds. He has experience in the top leagues of Italy, Spain and Greece, captaining Bologna in the Serie A.

Horvat also hopes the attacking midfielder's signing works as a statement of their intent to others - abroad, in the A-League or development leagues - that they'll be targeting next.

"You look at his pedigree. Having played in one of the greatest leagues in the world, he sets the standard," he said.

"He's still at a good age where, if all things go well, he could have three or four years here.

"We'll now endeavour to keep looking. We're filling out and looking at a second marquee and everything in tandem.

"We're looking at NPL talent, studying the national youth league over the last month and we're looking at other players to fill lots of roles."

Horvat and assistants John Anastasiadis and John Hutchinson, together with bid chief Lou Sticca, are leading the club's recruitment ahead of the club's kickoff next season in October.

AAP