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Celtic aware of PL interest in Ambrose

Neil Lennon hopes to retains Efe Ambrose's services © PA Photos

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon is hoping the club will not lose Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose amid reported interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Ambrose, 24, moved to Celtic Park from Israeli side Ashdod for a fee of £1.5 million in the summer and has already become a key part of the team.

"I hope we won't lose Efe in the summer as he's just in the door and there's more he can add to his game, but he has got a few admirers out there with his performances this season," Lennon said. "There's been nothing concrete, but I've been made aware of it, put it that way.

"There is definite interest from top teams in different countries. He's been a great signing for us."

Ambrose attracted criticism for his performance in last week's 3-0 Champions League defeat at home to Juventus, with team-mate Kris Commons among those pointing the finger, but Lennon has no concerns.

"Efe was very disappointed after Tuesday night," he said. "However, overall he's been brilliant for us and there's been a lot of interest in him - not just in England, but interest on the continent as well.

"With the criticism, he's pretty strong-minded. He's not aloof - he's very humble and was very disappointed after Tuesday night. He's been a great signing for us.

"He has also brought the best out of Kelvin Wilson alongside him as well who has been really magnificent this season. At European level, they've made us better."

Liverpool, Sunderland and Swansea are among the Premier League sides said to be interested in Ambrose, who is expected to cost around £6 million.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.