Neil Lennon: 'Scott Brown deal is pretty close'

Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes that the club are "pretty close" to finalising a deal to extend Scott Brown's contract at the club.

Brown will soon enter the final six months of his contract and has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, leading to speculation regarding his future.

Lennon has moved quickly to quell such rumours, admitting: "I think we are pretty close to getting the deal done. It's just a question of talking to his representatives as soon as possible and coming to a resolution.

"We all know he can talk to clubs on Thursday but I had a chat with him today, he wants to stay here and I'm confident we can get it done over the next few days."

Brown has been out of action since September, but could return for Wednesday's Europa League clash with Atletico Madrid.