Neil Lennon 'targets' Celtic star and fellow SPFL man as first Rapid Bucharest transfers

Neil Lennon is just in the door at Rapid Bucharest but has already placed two SPFL stars high on his transfers wishlist, according to reports.

The Celtic legend was appointed boss of the Romanian giants yesterday, signing a new two-year deal as he tries to restore their place at the top of the game in their country. He even made an early comparison with his former club, claiming the supporters are just like the Hoops faithful.

That would help smooth things over for one of his targets if a move were to happen. Reports in Romania suggest Lennon is keen on signing Celts centre-back Stephen Welsh, four years after handing the 24-year-old his debut. Welsh still has three years on his contract and it's said a loan would be the way forward.

The Northern Irishman's other reported target is another defender - Dundee United's Ross Graham. The 23-year-old is out of contract at Tannadice and had held talks with Jim Goodwin over a new deal, but nothing has been announced yet.

Meanwhile, Romania under-21s boss Daniel Pancu has hailed the "coup" of landing Lennon but feels the task at hand could be too big for even him He said: "It's an extraordinary coup for Rapid to bring in a coach of the standing of Neil Lennon.

"I am convinced that he is a very good coach, a coach who has also managed in the Champions League, he also has a victory against Barcelona, but under different conditions, with other players.

"But with Rapid, the demands will be very high. They will demand to win the title. "And you can't immediately go from 6th place to 1st place.

"I am sure he will aim for the title, but Rapid has no spine to the team now. The only way he could win the league would be if they spent a lot of money."