Neil Lennon has dismissed claims that Moi Elyounoussi could be a Celtic player next summer in a £10m deal with Southampton.
The forward has been in sparkling form since moving north of loan with seven goals in 12 appearances accurately reflecting his contribution to the side.
Southampton paid Basle £16m for Elyounoussi in the summer of 2018 and are more likely to be looking to turn around a profit on the Norwegian than agree a cut price deal with six months still to run on his loan deal.
One speculative website claimed that a £10m fee had been agreed between the clubs to make the move permanent with other dubious sites urging Celtic to ‘get the deal done’ and ‘sign him now’.
If only things were that straightforward when transfer fee inflation in England is running at 20%, when an EPL club shells out £20m for Ollie McBurnie.
Reacting to the £10m fee Lennon told the Daily Record:
It’s certainly not been discussed with Peter Lawwell. Elyounoussi is just in the door but he’s done very well. We’re really delighted with the contribution he’s made. Will he make us better? He’s certainly made us better so far.
We’ll see how the season pans out but I’ve been delighted with what he’s brought to the team. We’ll miss him for a few games, that’s for sure, when you look at his goals and his intelligence.
Whether we can do a deal in the summer, we’ll need to wait and see. It will come down to affordability. He’s enjoying it and we’re enjoying having him. It’s worked out great for both parties so far.
Elyounoussi is under contract at Southampton until 2023, using only guesswork he is probably on a basic salary that is twice as much as Celtic’s top paid player.