Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon claims there could be up to five players in Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad who want to leave the Scottish club.

Although the number of stars keen on moving on will worry supporters, Lennon played down those concerns, stating the situation is not as bad as some make out:

“There is still a core of players there. It is a blank canvas, hopefully, he can make his mark on the team. He’s got his opportunity and he will be hoping he takes it. I think [the title] will be close this season.”

“First of all, they have to sort out who wants to stay – or who wants to go. Four or five want to go. They’ll want to win the league and I don’t see any reason why they can’t.”

At least four of the names are pretty much common knowledge. Olivier Ntcham is on the verge of moving to AEK Athens so the Frenchman is one of those Lennon is hinting at.

Odsonne Edouard was actually mentioned by Lennon in the same interview, with the Frenchman being linked with the likes of West Ham and Arsenal. Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie’s contract situations mean they are very likely to be on their way out as well.

In terms of the identity of the possible fifth wantaway squad member, Leigh Griffiths, Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti could all be considering their futures due to their lack of game time. They are all, though, likely to sit tight in order to wait and see where they feature in Postecoglou’s plans for the new campaign.