'Not for me'

Celtic legend McAvennie unimpressed by Klimala and wants new striker if Griffiths not in plans

FRANK MCAVENNIE reckons Neil Lennon needs to sign another striker if Leigh Griffiths is not part of his plans.

The Celtic ace was left behind from the Hoops' recent trip to Loughborough and then France after returning to training overweight after three months in lockdown.

The Scotland international missed three games against Nice, Lyon and PSG as the Scottish champions continued their build up to the new Premiership campaign.

Lennon has star man Odsonne Edouard at his disposal with Patryk Klimala waiting in the wings.

However, Macca doesn't think Klimala is the answer for Lennon after watching him twice last week.

The Polish striker netted his first goal for the club against Nice, but the Hoops hero doesn't see him scoring 20+ goals a season.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "If Griffiths is not going to be a part of it they need to bring in another.

"The two games in which I saw Klimala last week - no.

"He scored a good goal but he is not for me. He is not going to score 20-odd goals like Edouard.

"Maybe Lenny needs to put his arm around Griff and say, 'Look I need you.'

"He scores a lot of goals. He will score you 20 goals so I am hoping that can be resolved.

"Leigh number two and Klimala number three is what I'd prefer."

Meanwhile, Celtic have opened talks with AEK Athens over a £3.5million deal for keeper Vasilis Barkas.

But SunSport understands the Greek giants are holding out for at least £6m.

Hoops boss Lennon is still weighing up several options as he hunts for a new No1.

Hopes of a u-turn by Southampton's Fraser Forster are fading by the day - forcing Celtic to look elsewhere.

Barkas, capped ten times by Greeice is firmly on Lennon's radar after his fine form for AEK.

The 6ft 5in keeper faced Celtic in the 2018 Champions League qualifiers and has been scouted since.

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