Stars could exit if price is right,says Celtic boss
NEIL LENNON says he could be powerless to stop Celtic’s top players departing this summer if the price is right. With the Covid-19 crisis having impacted on finances of football clubs all over the world, the Parkhead boss knows the Scottish champions are not immune to richer clubs offering top dollar for stars like Odsonne Edouard. The French Under-21 striker has been linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, Leeds United and Leicester City. So far, there have been no incoming bids but Lennon admits that could very well change when the English Premier League prepares to return for its new season in September. Asked if there are players who are simply not for sale ahead of the bid for an
historic ten in a row, the Celtic manager said: ‘It is difficult to say — particularly in this current climate — that a player is not going anywhere because everyone has a price, you know.
‘Ideally, we don’t want to sell our best players and we will remain steadfast on that. ‘But if an offer comes in then I’m sure the club will consider it and do the best thing possible for the club going forward. ‘It’s not just hard for me. It’s hard for all managers right now. It will be interesting to see how the market opens up. ‘You just don’t know (if top players will stay). The English Premier League is not finished yet but, when they do, they will be starting to look around at players.
‘It might speed up before the new season starts but at the minute we have had no inquiries for any of our players. Nothing at all.’ However, Lennon has poured cold water over suggestions that AC Milan are poised to snap up defender Kris Ajer.
He said: ‘There’s absolutely nothing in that at all. Nothing.
‘He’s got a couple of years left on his contract and I want him here and the club wants him here.’ Meanwhile, Lennon will step up his bid to sign new recruits this week, including a goalkeeper after failing to land Southampton’s Fraser Forster on a permanent deal following his successful loan last season. He said: ‘There are a couple of positions that we are looking to strengthen. ‘Goalkeeper is obviously one of them and we are working on a number of options. ‘We are working on a number of options for other positions too. I’ve had no indication that the climate has changed (in terms of budget).
‘It’s business as usual as far as I am concerned. ‘But I’m not close to anything. I’m spinning a few plates but there’s nothing concrete at the moment. ‘But goalkeeper is a priority. Hopefully there may be something this week.’ Meanwhile, Celtic hope to face Dundalk in a pre-season friendly at Parkhead this weekend.