SOCCER TRANSFER NEWS:CELTIC MANAGER Neil Lennon has revealed he is close to signing Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy, but believes winger Aiden McGeady wants to leave Parkhead.

Lennon hopes the deal for Murphy will be concluded shortly and said the 27-year-old could even join up with the rest of the squad on Celtic’s tour of North America.

Lennon was speaking after their 1-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union, as they prepare to take on Manchester United in Toronto on Saturday morning.

The capture of Mexico international Efrain Juarez from UNAM Pumas also looks imminent. “Juarez is pretty close,” Lennon said. “We think we’re pretty close with Murphy from Sunderland as well. I think so.”

Asked if Murphy would be joining Celtic in America, Lennon replied: “If we can get it done.”

He added: “He’s quick, he’s six foot two and I’ve watched him a lot for a few years now.

“He was playing for Ireland in an end of season tour in America, he caught my eye and I’ve kept an eye on him ever since.

“I think he’d do all right, he could take the hits for us up here.”

Murphy joined Sunderland in 2005 and had a loan spell with Ipswich last year, scoring six times in 18 appearances.

McGeady was left out of the tour after suffering a thigh injury. His absence sparked speculation that he was on the verge of a switch to Aston Villa, but Lennon insists the injury is genuine.

However, the Celtic manager senses that the 24-year-old has his mind set on a move.

“Aiden hasn’t said to me he wants to leave in so many words,” Lennon said. “But that vibe came from his side of things.

“I know there are conspiracy theories but it’s a genuine injury. He picked it up in a bounce game on Saturday behind closed doors.

“We felt that, if we were looking at 10 days, the travelling would make it worse. It was pointless bringing him here if he wasn‘t going to train and play.”

Lennon has not shut the door on a deal for Jimmy Bullard despite expressing frustration with the demands of some modern-day players.

Bullard‘s loan move from Hull collapsed after the midfielder demanded money on top of his City wages – which reportedly would have taken his weekly income to €90,000.

Speaking generally, Lennon said: “We all played for the love of the game. But then all these outside influences come on board.

“I can understand people wanting to secure their futures, of course I do, but how much money can you earn?”

He added: “Everything was agreed with Hull and he wanted a bit more but the door is still open for Jimmy if he wants to reconsider.”

The club yesterday paid tribute to Artur Boruc, following his move to Fiorentina.

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has quit Parkhead after five years to pen a two-year deal with the Italian club.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club’s official website: “It was clear that, after five years with Celtic, Artur wished to pursue a fresh challenge.

“I know everyone at the club and all our supporters will sincerely wish Artur all the very best in this challenge.

“During his time at Celtic, he has been a magnificent servant to the club and, without any question, he is one of the finest goalkeepers ever to play in Scotland.

“Indeed, he has been one of Europe’s top keepers.

“A true character, a passionate man and a real Celtic supporter, he has been part of some memorable occasions and been instrumental in the successes which the club has enjoyed.

“We send him all our best wishes for the future.”

Meanwhile, Burnley winger Chris Eagles will not be moving to Rangers after deciding the transfer was “not in his best interests”.

The clubs had agreed a fee for the winger, who yesterday toured Ibrox and visited Rangers’ Murray Park training ground.

The 24-year-old, who has a year remaining on his Turf Moor contract, also held discussions with Rangers manager Walter Smith and chief executive Martin Bain. But Eagles was unable to agree a deal and will now join Burnley on their tour to Singapore next week.

A statement on Burnley’s official website regarding Eagles’s decision read: “Chris Eagles has tonight decided a move to Glasgow Rangers would not be in his best interests.

“The two clubs had agreed a fee for the 24-year-old, but he was unable to agree personal terms with the Scottish champions.”

The former Manchester United player had been the subject of a bid described as “substantial” by manager Brian Laws.