Neil Lennon comments on Celtic player’s future amid reported West Ham interest

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Neil Lennon has been quoted by the Daily Record after Celtic’s convincing 3-0 away win over St. Johnstone that midfielder Olivier Ntcham is simply not for sale – despite reported interest from West Ham United.

Celtic secured three points before the half-hour mark at Perth on Wednesday night as goals from Ntcham, Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest saw the Scottish champions take a 3-0 lead after just 26 minutes. The scoreline remained the same.

Ntcham, 23, started and finished the match as Celtic maintained their five-point advantage over Rangers – who beat Ross County 2-0 at Ibrox. He scored his 21st goal for Celtic just hours after being linked with a move.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that West Ham were in advanced talks to sign Ntcham, but that seems far from the case given the ex-Manchester City man played for Celtic on Wednesday night. Lennon spoke of the Hammers’ interest.

“The last thing I want is good players going out the door. I want to get players in, but it’s a tough thing to do,” Lennon said. “I had a joke with Olivier after the game asking him if he was doing that for the cameras, putting himself out there.

“He’s played so well for me and I thought he was terrific. Not just his goal, but his all-round game. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not going anywhere.”

TBR’s view – Blow for West Ham, Ntcham would be a top signing

Still only 23 and enormous first-team experience for a player of his age – more than 150 outings for Celtic and Genoa – Ntcham would have been an excellent signing for West Ham. Even after the signing of Tomas Soucek.

Ntcham’s vision and ability to drive forward from midfield and score goals is something sorely missed in the Hammers’ side. In 117 games for Celtic, Ntcham has scored 21 and created 17 – having a hand in a goal almost every three games.

Ntcham has been linked with a move before, and he would be a top, top signing for the Hammers. It appears the two-time Scottish Premiership champion is not going anywhere, though.