Celtic manager Neil Lennon has revealed he is close to signing Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy.
The Hoops boss hopes the deal will be concluded shortly and says the 27-year-old could even join up with the rest of the squad on Celtic's tour of North America.
"We think we're pretty close with Murphy from Sunderland," Lennon told philly.com
Asked if Murphy would be joining Celtic in America, Lennon replied: "If we can get it done, yeah.
"He's quick, he's six foot two and I've watched him a lot for a few years now.
"He was playing for Ireland in an end of season tour in America, he caught my eye and I've kept an eye on him ever since.
"I think he'd do all right, he could take the hits for us up here."
Murphy joined Sunderland in 2005 and had a loan spell with Ipswich last year, scoring six times in 18 appearances.
Lennon was speaking after Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union and revealed the capture of Mexico international Efrain Juarez from UNAM Pumas also looks imminent.
"Juarez is pretty close," he added.
Source: PA
