Neil Lennon rubbishes Celtic transfer rumour in major boost

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has rubbished all talk about the potential transfer of one of the club’s stars after weeks of speculation.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is never one to comment on the potential of a new signing for the club, but he is willing to discuss current stars in the squad. For the last few weeks Olivier Ntcham has been the subject of rumours that are beginning to spread like wildfire.

Ntcham has been linked with the likes of West Ham, Brighton and even Everton. Considering the fact that Celtic is a selling club, many supporters are giving credence to these rumours. However, with the potential of Champions League Group Stage football, as well as the 10IAR on the line, the club needs all of its quality players.

Ntcham has proven time and time again that he can be a difference maker when he is on the pitch. But, that has been the issue as the player hasn’t gotten a consistent spot in the starting XI. Yet, when the player took the pitch against KR Reykjavík on Tuesday night one could see how dynamic Ntcham was.

In a recent press conference Lennon was adamant that the rumours about Ntcham were just that, rumours. Here is what he had to say regarding Ntcham (transcribed by Video Celts):

"Q) There has been speculation about Olivier Ntcham from down southA) It’s just speculationQ) No interest in him? No form bid?A) No"

The Hoops cannot afford to be selling its most quality players in this moment. It is a huge reason why Odsonne Edouard is still with the club. Make no mistake, there is a very high likelihood that Edoaurd will be on his way out this time next year, but the thought of moving him before the 10IAR is absurd.

Ntcham is in the same position. The club needs to keep that quality depth (despite him needing to start, but that’s a different article) heading into a season where everything counts.