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Neil Lennon believes a move to Celtic could benefit Donny van de Beek

  /  autty

Neil Lennon believes that a switch to Celtic could help Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek to kick-start his career.

Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in 2020 but has endured much frustration owing to a lack of regular starts and injuries.

Celtic have been linked with a move for van de Beek amid suggestions that United are prepared to let the Dutchman depart.

Lennon, who played for Celtic and had two spells as manager of the club, feels that van de Beek would be an impressive signing but stressed that if a deal did take place then it would probably have to be a loan move.

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, when asked if joining Celtic would be a good move for van de Beek, Lennon said: 'Possibly - his career has sort of stalled a bit. He was outstanding for Ajax the season they got to the semi-finals of the Champions League in that really good young Ajax team.

'He went to United and it didn't work out and he went on loan to Everton and that didn't work out either. So he needs a kickstart and maybe Celtic is that place for him.

'He's certainly shown he's got the pedigree and you never lose it, you just sometimes lose your confidence or your hunger and lose your way a little bit. Players of that calibre just need a restart and maybe he's thinking Celtic might be that place to go but I mean, there's a lot of work to be done in a deal involving that.

'He'll be on huge money, let's not beat around the bush here. Realistically, if you're talking about (Scott) Mc Tominay, (Kieran) Tierney or van de Beek, it'll probably be a loan and Celtic making a contribution towards the wages.'

Van de Beek has made just 60 appearances for United in total and has scored two goals. He had a loan spell at Everton in the second half of the 2021-22 campaign and had problems with a knee injury last season.

The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford and there is also an option for a further year, but it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he was to leave this summer.

However, as Lennon alludes to, van de Beek's wages could make it difficult for a permanent move to occur, so a loan may well be the best option.

Van de Beek is one of a host of high-profile players who could leave United this summer, with forward Anthony Martial and defender Harry Maguire also potential candidates to depart.

Last month it was suggested that van de Beek is considering a move away from United.