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Lennon reiterates desire to keep Forster

Fraser Forster's form for Celtic means manager Neil Lennon wants the goalkeeper to remain at the club © Getty Images

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Celtic boss Neil Lennon is still hopeful of retaining the services of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, and is also keen to tie down Gary Hooper to a new contract.

Forster, 24, starred between the posts for the Hoops while on loan from Newcastle in 2011-12 and Lennon has previously stated his desire to sign him on a permanent basis this summer.

The Magpies keeper is highly regarded at St James' Park and though Tim Krul is currently the man occupying Alan Pardew's No. 1 spot, Forster has been tipped to step up in the future.

However, Lennon is hopeful that the temptation of regular first-team football will be able to tempt Forster into a full-time switch to Parkhead.

"His agent is in tomorrow [Wednesday], so we are hoping we can move things on pretty quick," Lennon said.

"We have been delighted with him in the two years he has been here and are hoping we can bed him down for another two or three after that."

Lennon is also determined to hold on to prized asset Hooper, who has reportedly been targeted by Premier League new boys Southampton.

"Gary is one of our best players, and quite rightly so, he will be looking to get a wage increase, and we don't have a problem with that," Lennon said.

The Hoops boss also spoke about interest in Rosenborg midfielder Markus Henriksen, saying: "We have not made any contact with the club yet, but he is a player we admire.

"We have got a bit of work to do with trimming the squad before we can possibly even think about bringing players in, but we have targets for three or four positions.

"We do like the player, but I do not know if we will be able to get a bid going in the next few days or not."

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