Lennon deal hope despite Stokes snub
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Neil Lennon still hopeful of keeping Anthony Stokes after striker rejects deal
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that striker Anthony Stokes has rejected the offer of a new contract.
However, the Hoops boss insists talks will continue and believes an agreement can be reached.
Stokes, 24, missed much of last season due to an ankle injury but he returned to star in Celtics run to the Scottish Cup final.
The Irishman set up both Gary Hoopers goals as the Hoops beat Hibs 3-0 at Hampden to secure a domestic double.
However, Stokes is now free to move on after rejecting an offer from Celtic.
Lennon said: We have already made him an offer he has knocked that back, but negotiations will be ongoing.
We really saw the best of him towards the end of the season. He looks physically in the best shape he has been in.
He was such a pivotal player for us towards the end of the season, and his cup final performance was absolutely fantastic.
The opportunity is there for him to make a good career for himself. He is very important to me.
While last seasons run to the last 16 of the Champions League has seen striker Hooper and midfielder Victor Wanyama draw attention from the English Premier League, Lennon believes success in Europe will make the club more attractive to potential signings.
He said: What we achieved last year, with it being broadcast throughout Europe, they see Celtic now as a viable club, whereas maybe a couple of years ago, we might have been in the doldrums in terms of Europe.
But our strategy will always be the same, we will try to find young, talented players, develop them and eventually if the money is right, we will move them on.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed that striker Anthony Stokes has rejected the offer of a new contract.
However, the Hoops boss insists talks will continue and believes an agreement can be reached.
Stokes, 24, missed much of last season due to an ankle injury but he returned to star in Celtics run to the Scottish Cup final.
The Irishman set up both Gary Hoopers goals as the Hoops beat Hibs 3-0 at Hampden to secure a domestic double.
However, Stokes is now free to move on after rejecting an offer from Celtic.
Lennon said: We have already made him an offer he has knocked that back, but negotiations will be ongoing.
We really saw the best of him towards the end of the season. He looks physically in the best shape he has been in.
He was such a pivotal player for us towards the end of the season, and his cup final performance was absolutely fantastic.
The opportunity is there for him to make a good career for himself. He is very important to me.
While last seasons run to the last 16 of the Champions League has seen striker Hooper and midfielder Victor Wanyama draw attention from the English Premier League, Lennon believes success in Europe will make the club more attractive to potential signings.
He said: What we achieved last year, with it being broadcast throughout Europe, they see Celtic now as a viable club, whereas maybe a couple of years ago, we might have been in the doldrums in terms of Europe.
But our strategy will always be the same, we will try to find young, talented players, develop them and eventually if the money is right, we will move them on.
