STEPHEN McMANUS’ move to Middlesbrough has edged a step closer, after sources in Scotland claimed Neil Lennon IS prepared to let the Celtic star leave Parkhead.
But the Teessiders’ hopes of landing Gary Hooper appear more remote, with Leeds understood to have joined the race for the Scunthorpe striker, while Swansea midfielder Leon Britton has joined Sheffield United.
Centre-back McManus is Gordon Strachan’s top target, having spent a successful six-month loan spell at the Riverside.
New Bhoys boss Lennon was thought to be keen to retain the 27-year-old, who fell out of favour under Celtic’s previous manager Tony Mowbray.
But the Sunday Sun understands Lennon is willing to let McManus go – along with Artur Boruc, Aiden McGeady and Georgios Samaras – to fund his own summer spending spree.
Celtic want Craig Bellamy, Robbie Keane, Martin Petrov and Sol Campbell, and have also been linked with Boro target Hooper, but while Lennon has been promised cash by Bhoys chief executive Peter Lawwell, he must raise in the region of ÂŁ15 million from sales.
That has opened the door to £3 million-rated McManus’ departure, and the defender is keen to make a permanent switch to Teesside and extend his working relationship with Strachan.
The arrival of Hooper appears less straightforward, however.
Scunthorpe have already rejected a bid from Boro for the 22-year-old, who The Iron rate at ÂŁ2.5 million.
But the Teessiders remained confident of signing Hooper with a renewed offer, since he only has a year left on his current contract.
However, Leeds are on the lookout for a replacement for Everton-bound Jermaine Beckford and, despite landing Swindon forward Billy Paynter , have now made an enquiry about Hooper.
“Billy Paynter coming here doesn’t mean to say that other strikers won’t be coming in as well,” said Elland Road boss Simon Grayson.
“It’s all a matter of what’s best for the squad and who is out there.
“If I see an option that I think will take us forward then we’ll look to get it done.”
Meanwhile, Boro – along with Wigan and Burnley – have missed out to Sheffield United in the race for Swansea star Britton.
The midfielder, 27, was out of contract at the Liberty Stadium, and has signed a three-year deal at Bramall Lane.
“There was interest from some other clubs and I spoke to a couple of people there, but I decided that it was not right for me and that Sheffield United were,” Britton said.
“It was not an easy decision to make as I’ve been at Swansea for a long time.
“But Sheffield United are a massive club.
“I think they were averaging 25,000-plus last year in this division so I am absolutely delighted to be here.”
Hätte ich nichts dagegen, aber eben wie immer alles nur beschissene Gerüchte.
