Lennon close to Celtic deal
Neil Lennon looks set to soften the blow of losing Jackie McNamara by signing a new contract with Celtic.
New manager Gordon Strachan and the supporters have been stunned by the news of their skipper’s decision to turn down a new contract to sign with Wolves this afternoon.
But the Scot will be delighted to learn that Lennon is ready to sign a new deal that will tie him to the club until at least June of 2006.
The 33-year-old said: “I love the club and despite some well known hassles I’ve had, I’ve really enjoyed my time in Glasgow.
“Going back to the Premiership was always something I’ve considered but continuing to play for Celtic is just as appealing for me.”
Strachan is also looking to bring in new players this summer and he is keeping tabs on Wisla Krakow striker Maciej Zurawski, who is rated at the £2million mark.
The Polish international has scored 24 goals in 25 matches for his club.
A source said: “Celtic have been watching the player and they have been impressed by what they have seen.”
Strachan is also looking to offload Magnus Hedman and Ulrik Laursen to free up more funds for summer arrivals with Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy still topping his shortlist of targets.
He has already seen Robert Douglas, Momo Sylla and Stephane Henchoz leave and there is still some uncertainty over the futures of Bobo Balde and Stilian Petrov.
Strachan wants to keep that pair and he will be concerned that they could follow McNamara out of the door.
The 31-year-old Scotland international is ending his 10-year association with the Glasgow giants.
McNamara claimed he would have accepted a similar deal with Celtic but had only been offered a one-year contract.
McNamara indicated his preference to join Wolves when he said: “I had always hoped to finish my career with Celtic but I felt I was in a position where I had to make a choice that was the right one for my family and myself in the circumstances.
“Wolves made me a good offer, they made me feel wanted and I was impressed with what Glenn Hoddle had to say. If the medical goes without a hitch, then I will definitely be signing for Wolves.”
McNamara’s departure would be a major blow to Celtic’s new manager Strachan and the club.
He recently enjoyed a testimonial game against the Republic of Ireland.
“I never imagined my time at Celtic would end like this,” he added.
“I would have preferred to have signed a new contract with the club several months ago.
“It was really disappointing that didn’t happen and disappointing that there was only a one-year deal on the table when it finally came.
“I had always hoped to finish my career with Celtic but I felt I was in a position where I had to make a choice that was the right one for my family and myself in the circumstances.”
