Celtic manager Neil Lennon has dismissed talk linking midfielder Olivier Ntcham with a move to English Premier League strugglers West Ham before the transfer deadline tomorrow.

Reports in France yesterday had claimed that the Hammers were in negotiations to sign the 23-year-old but speaking after the Hoops’ 3-0 win over St Johnstone last night, Lennon denied that there was any truth to the story:

“It’s nonsense. Olivier is not going anywhere. The last thing I want is good players going out the door. If anything, I want to get players in, but it’s a tough thing to do.”

“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.”

Ntcham did signal last summer that he wanted to leave Celtic Park but after holding talks with Lennon, he opted to knuckle down and concentrate on performing for the Scottish champions.

The France Under 21 international has been in decent form this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 32 games for Celtic. He actually opened the scoring in the victory over St Johnstone yesterday, but his most memorable moment of the season was undoubtedly the last gasp winner against Lazio in the Europa League back in early November.