Celtic: Southampton Wanyama reports brushed off

Victor Waynama: Rumours of Celtic exit continue. Picture: SNS

• Joe Ledley insists Celtic are not selling club as reports surface of a bid for Victor Wanyama by Southampton

• Welsh midfielder claims Wanyama and Gary Hooper are happy at Celtic

Celtic have yet to sanction the Kenyan midfielder’s exit, which Ledley claimed proved the club would only sell on their own terms.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon has made no secret of a club policy that seeks to identify cheap youngsters, develop their skills and them move them on for a profit.

The Glasgow giants landed a £6 million windfall last summer after Ki Sung-Yueng - originally signed for £2.1million from Korean side FC Seoul - switched to Swansea.

In the past six months they have turned down two multi-million pound offers from Norwich and Hull for striker Gary Hooper.

He said: “I don’t think we are a selling club or anything like that. I just think the gaffer has done some great business over the years.

“He has looked into youth and brought guys in and trained them well. That’s what happens in football.

“If people leave, then they leave. It happens at every single club. Hopefully we can keep hold as many players as we can.”

The Parkhead side have acted swiftly to boost their squad ahead of next month’s Champions League second qualifying round ties, signing up Portuguese striker Amido Balde from Vitoria Guimaraes in a reported £2million deal, while defender Virgil van Dijk is close to agreeing a move from Dutch side Groningen.

But Ledley is still hopeful Wanyama and Hooper will remain with the club for their European assault.

“Hopefully the club can sort [Victor and Gary] out and get them new deals,” he said. “I know they are both happy at the club and I hope they can stay here for many years to come.”

SEE ALSO

• Rumour Mill: £10m Wanyama bid

• Wanyama reveals talks over Celtic future ongoing