Celtic right-back ‘target’ Hatem Abd Elhamed has been left out Hapoel Beer Sheva’s squad for their Europa League qualifier tonight.
Reports in Israel suggest the defender told the coaching staff he didn’t want to be included in their game against Albanian outfit KF Laci, despite being 100 per cent fit.
The right side of defence has been a key area for Celtic to strengthen in after Mikael Lustig departed last month.
It mean Kris Ajer had to fill in there earlier in the week, while Nir Bitton stepped in as a makeshift centre-back, as the Hoops beat FK Sarajevo in their Europa League qualifier 3-1 earlier this week in Bosnia.
Lennon spoke after the game saying it was a priority to strengthen there, but admitted it was tough to bring in a top quality defender.
He said: "Right-back is a key area to strengthen. Kristoffer was outstanding, but we are looking to bring quality in.
It’s not an easy process, but we are working away in the background."
Kilmarnock's Stephen O'Donnell is another name that has been linked, despite there being no contact made between the two clubs.
Jack Stacey was another name that was linked with the Hoops, but the former Luton Town defender opted for Bournemouth over the Scottish Premiership side earlier this week, who forked out £4million for the full-back.
Neil Lennon's side search for a right back suffered another set back earlier on Thursday as Huddersfield Town's Tommy Smith is on the verge of a switch to Stoke City as revealed by Record Sport .
Sheffield United's George Baldock could be someone Lennon renews his interest in after chasing the defender last summer.
Baldock was also a target for Stoke, before they moved their attentions onto Smith.
Competition seems to be the name of the game for Celtic's transfer targets this season, and another club appear to have joined the race to sign target Romaine Sawyers.
The Brentford captain is in the final year of his contract at Griffin Park, and Lennon is keen to land the midfielder, seeing a bid rejected last week for the 27-year-old.
Reports down south indicate Championship favourites Leeds United could make a move for Sawyers this summer.
