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Alan Galindo

Neil Lennon explains Kyogo Celtic to Tottenham doubts as he labels Kieran Tierney return 'long shot'

Neil Lennon has expressed doubts over whether Kyogo Furuhashi could cut it at Tottenham as he labelled a Kieran Tierney return to Celtic as a 'long shot'.

The former Hoops gaffer has previously expressed how big a fan he is of the Japan international, who netted 34 goals in all competitions for the Scottish champions last season. Ange Postecoglou's move to North London has sparked chat over a potential reunion for the duo with Lennon certain he would NOT replace Harry Kane if that was to be the case. He is a big fan and believes he could play in the English Premier League - just not at the top end at this moment in time.

Speaking to Mail Sport, he said: "I have my doubts, yes. I don't think for one minute that he could replace Harry Kane, for example, if that was to be the case. He's a good player. I like his style. I'm just not sure he could play consistently at the highest level in the Premier League on a week-to-week basis.

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"The other thing is that you've got Kane there at the minute, you've got (Heung-Min) Son, [Dejan] Kulusevski, Richarlison.

"These are world-class players that he'd need to break into if he goes to Spurs. I think he could play in the Premier League but maybe just not at the top end at the minute."

One player who has been playing at the top level in England for a number of years is KT.

But this season he found himself out of favour under Mikel Arteta with former Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko the preferred option. It has been suggested the Scotland international would NOT close the door on a return to Parkhead. A substantial loan fee and significant compromise over wages would be required to make any deal happen.

Lennon believes a lot of variables would come into such a deal and being realistic he knows it would be a 'long shot' to get done. He added to the same publication: "Kieran thrived under Brendan in his time here. He really made his mark at Celtic under him and I think they’d a great relationship. So that ticks one box.

"Whether Arsenal want to sell or loan him is another thing. There are a lot of variables that come into this.

"One other thing is that Kieran would need to weight up whether it’s the right move for his career at this point in time. It’s interesting. I’m sure there will be interest in him not only from Premier League clubs but abroad as well.

"We have to be realistic about this. I think it’s a long shot.

"On top of that you have to think of his wages. If he was to move on loan to Celtic the club would have to pay quite a considerable contribution as well towards that too. At the minute it seems way off to me but you just never know.

"If it’s what Kieran wants to do then it could be possible. In recent times, Celtic have generally only taken players on loan if they can secure an option to buy.

"It would be a real statement of intent if Celtic were to sign him."

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