New McGinn bid rejected

NEIL LENNON last night told Celtic to cough up the cash if they want to sign Hibs midfielder John McGinn. The Parkhead side yesterday reaffirmed their interest in the Scotland international by making a second bid of around £2million, which Hibs duly rejected. Entering the final year of his contract at Easter Road, McGinn has been identified as a prime target by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who publicly stated his desire to sign the player earlier this week. But Lennon insisted that,

although the ongoing uncertainty has been unsettling for McGinn, there is no way the 23-year-old will be allowed to leave until Celtic meet Hibs’ valuation of their prized asset. Speaking ahead of his team’s Europa League qualifier against NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands this evening, Lennon admitted: ‘Yes, there has been a second bid. But the club have rejected it. ‘In terms of whether it’s inevitable that John will go or not, there’s no way I can answer that. That is something you would need to ask Celtic. ‘We’ve had two bids which have not been accepted by the club. There’s been communication and I think Celtic are aware of what we value John at. ‘I don’t actually know exactly what that figure is. All I know is that Celtic haven’t met it so far. ‘It is unsettling for the player — of course it is. This is football and you can’t stop players from progressing, but all the speculation is not an easy thing for him to deal with. ‘We just need to manage him as best we can until it’s resolved one way or the other. Scott Allan hasn’t been mentioned in the talks, that’s one thing I can say. ‘The best thing for John is to play. I’ve seen no ill-effects in his play. He was excellent on Sunday and played well at Linlithgow last week. He has a bit of a dead leg, but has trained well today and is available for selection.’ Lennon confirmed that he will have no hesitation in selecting McGinn for tonight’s tie against the Faroe Islands minnows at Easter Road. As of this season, UEFA have relaxed their rules regarding players being cup-tied in Europe, meaning McGinn’s participation tonight would have no impact on his future availability for Celtic this season. However, Lennon will not be able to take full part this evening as he serves a touchline ban after being sent to the stands in a tie against Brondby two years ago. Stevie Mallan is fit and available for selection and could feature at some point after completing his move to Hibs on a four-year deal. ‘He is a good player — someone who can pass and also has goals in him,’ said Lennon of the 22-year-old midfielder. ‘It was obviously a blow to lose Dylan McGeouch, but I knew Stevie could come in and really add to our midfield. ‘He is not a replacement for John. He is a player more in the mould of McGeouch and, hopefully, he can add a few goals.’