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Neil Lennon says Celtic squad needs trimming

Celtic manager Neil Lennon ahead of the game against Rangers
Image: Neil Lennon wants to "trim" his squad ahead of the 2019-20 season

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has said he needs to "trim" his squad and sell some players ahead of the upcoming season.

Eight players have already left the club this window, including Mikael Lustig and Dedryck Boyata.

But, despite these departures, Lennon believes that some more business still needs to be done.

He said: "I think there's some trimming to do, yes.

"We have to be mindful with the amount of games we play, so the squad has to be of a decent size.

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Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo says his move to Celtic was not dependent on the club potentially selling left-back Kieran Tierney

"We don't want to have players on the periphery of the squad on a decent wage being left out.

"The squad is too big for my liking and I think it's important that we [trim] it."

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Boyata and Lustig both left the club for nothing, heading to Hertha Berlin and KAA Gent, respectively.

Marvin Compper, Scott Allan, Youssouf Mulumbu and Emilio Izaguirre have all also left the club for free.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Luca John Connell of Republic of Ireland looks on before the UEFA European Under-17 Championship match between Republic of Ireland and Denmark at St Georges Park on May 8, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Image: Luca Connell is just one of three players to join the club this summer

Along with the departures, the Bhoys have strengthened their squad, with the signings of Luca Connell, Boli Bolingoli and Christopher Jullien

And, with some more players leaving the club, Lennon is hopeful for more additions at Celtic Park.

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"In the next few weeks, everything will be hotting up everywhere, in terms of transfer fees being paid and deals being done," Lennon said.

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Celtic captain Scott Brown admits that transfer speculation regarding left-back Kieran Tierney is predictable given the form the trio have shown for the club

"It's still quite early but I think we've done good business so far.

"We will hopefully make additions to the squad and maybe see some players go the other way."

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