Lennon keen to tie down Brown

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is determined to sort out a new deal for skipper Scott Brown as soon as possible. Brown is entering the final year of his contract at Parkhead and he has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle this summer.Scotland international Brown insists he is happy to stay at Celtic and Lennon is keen to sit down the midfielder and secure his long-term future."We haven't really sat down and discussed anything but Scott knows what we think of him as a player," said Lennon."We're hoping negotiations aren't a problem. He is an important player for us, just like a few others, but in his case we would like to get him bedded down because we want him settled."He has a year left on his contract so it's important we negotiate pretty quickly. "There is far more to his game than just passion. That's part of his make-up but it's not just what he's all about. "He has taken on the added responsibility of being captain and has matured into that role very well."His consistency last season was excellent. He was a huge player for us - and considering he's only 25 you have to wonder how much better is he going to get. He's not even at his peak and I think his best years are still to come."

Source: Team_Talk