MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI has hit the ground running since he arrived on a season-long loan from Southampton in the summer.
The Morocco-born Norwegian international left-sided raider has scored seven goals in 12 appearances, including two in the 5-2 semi-final victory over Hibs to set up a Betfred League Cup showdown with Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox outfit at Hampden a fortnight tomorrow.
Reports have emerged the south coast club will accept a fee of around £10million for the player who cost them £16million from Swiss side Basel in summer last year.
However, Neil Lennon has revealed there have been NO discussions over Elyounoussi’s future at the eight-in-a-row champions.
And the Hoops boss rubbished the claims the Premier League strugglers would accept a cut-price offer for their forward who will miss this afternoon’s Premiership encounter with Livingston at Parkhead through injury.
Lennon, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “It’s certainly not been discussed with Peter Lawwell. Elyounoussi is just in the door, but he’s done very well.
“We’re really delighted with the contribution he’s made. Will he make us better? He’s certainly made us better so far.
“We’ll see how the season pans out, but I’ve been delighted with what he’s brought to the team.
“We’ll miss him for a few games, that’s for sure, when you look at his goals and his intelligence.
“Whether we can do a deal in the summer, we’ll need to wait and see. It will come down to affordability.
“He’s enjoying it and we’re enjoying having him. It’s worked out great for both parties so far.”
The Hoops gaffer added: “Elyounoussi has a stress reaction. If it were to carry on there’s a possibility of a fracture so we have to be mindful of that.
“It’s a case of shutting him down for a week or two and, hopefully, he’ll be okay for the Cup Final.”
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Livingston this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
