LENNON: RACE IS ON FOR McGINN

NEIL LENNON is braced for a transfer deadline rush for John McGinn – but insisted there’s been no bid from Brighton. The Premier League outfit were last night linked with a move for the Celtic target, left. But

Lennon is adamant no contact’s been made. The Hibs boss believes a last-gasp scramble for McGinn could be sparked as England’s deadline day looms on Thursday.

But Record Sport understands the player’s heart is still set on a move to his boyhood heroes.

Lennon said: “There has been no bid in from any other club apart from Celtic. I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t more bids that come in for him between now and August 9 and beyond.

“From a personal point of view, I’m selfish and I don’t want it to happen because you can see how good he is at the minute, he is just an outstanding player.”

McGinn has spoken for the first time about the speculation and the difficulty of focusing on Hibs’ Europa League campaign, after netting the decisive strike to set up a third-round qualifier against Norwegians Molde.

He said: “I’m grateful for what this club has done for me.

“I love playing for Hibs, I never take that for granted. I had a few discussions with the manager and he was great, he has been in this position himself. I’ve just loved being a part of our Europa League games. To progress and score against Asteras was brilliant.”

Lennon has brought back Jamie Maclaren on a seasonlong loan from Darmstadt 98.

And the Australia striker said: “After the World Cup experience I want to kick on. This is the best club for me to be at.”