Neil Lennon has admitted that Celtic will definitely keep Scott Sinclair next season.
The winger’s contract extension was today confirmed at Lennon’s press conference. It had been reported by the Sun in an exclusive last night, and the Celtic gaffer backed up the news today.
One of the potential reasons for the triggering of the contract could’ve been that Celtic were looking to cash in on Sinclair in the summer. Given his poor form since Lennon came in the door, it wasn’t exactly a ridiculous idea.
But Lennon today shot down that idea. Speaking via Celtic’s official Twitter feed, Lennon confirmed Sinclair will stay at the club next season.
No ulterior motive appears in place
Take what you will from that. But it looks clear that Lennon has no plans to get rid of the Englishman this summer after being tied up for another 12 months.
Sinclair has 17 goals this season and 60 exactly for the club in three seasons. That equates to an average of 20 goals per season, which you can understand is tricky for Celtic and Lennon to turn away.
It shouldn’t mean that any potential suitors get scared off, however. Middlesbrough were yesterday linked with an interest in Sinclair. Any Championship interest in the former Aston Villa man isn’t exactly dead in the water after the added on year.
But Celtic don’t seem to have any plans to get rid of him. That’s despite the fact that Lewis Morgan and Maryan Shved will return to the club in the summer.
There aren’t any guarantees Lennon will be the manager next season either. If a new man was to come in and dismiss Sinclair, that seems like one of the most realistic ways he could be out the door.
Celtic, however, have never been one to turn away a quick buck if they can make it. Sinclair could represent an opportunity to do just that in the summer, if interest persists.
Judging by Lennon’s words, however, that certainly isn’t part of the plan.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
