Sol Campbell gives Hoops hope

CELTIC'S hopes of securing a marquee signing this summer appear to have been boosted after Sol Campbell promised Neil Lennon that he'll give him every chance of clinching his signature.

According to the Sun, the out-of-contract Arsenal defender is waiting for Celtic to confirm their management team before deciding on his future. "I am happy to wait and give Neil a chance" said the 35-year-old, "and I will show respect to Arsenal and Celtic."

Another player who could be Parkhead-bound is Liam Lawrence, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Republic of Ireland midfielder is "desperate" to leave Stoke City for Celtic, who have tabled a 1.5million offer for the 28-year-old.

The same paper also claimed that Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is planning a triple swoop on the SPL, having stepped up his bid to sign Rangers striker Kris Boyd, Celtic's Landry N'Guemo and Hamilton's James McArthur.

Meanwhile, the Daily Express 'exclusively' revealed that Rangers have had a "derisory" 300,000 offer for striker Tommy Smith turned down by Portsmouth.