Lennon seeks reinforcements

Lennon has downsized his squad with the likes of Daniel Majstorovic, Glenn Loovens, Mark Wilson, Efrain Juarez, Niall McGinn and Darren O'Dea moving on.

His only signing so far is Fraser Forster but the goalkeeper had already been on loan for two seasons before completing his permanent switch from Newcastle United.

Lennon confirmed the number of players he was looking for and added: "We have trimmed the squad considerably. We don't want to make wholesale changes.

"We're always looking, if we feel we are getting a good player for value for money, we will always look at it."

Lennon does not have the challenge of Rangers or Old Firm derbies to sell the club to prospective signings but he feels the UEFA Champions League and the club's stature can attract targets.

"We have signed Fraser on a four-year contract and I didn't think that was a major issue," he said.

"We are a big name, we've got a big reputation and obviously progress in Europe would enhance that."

Korea Republic international Ki Sung-yueng and Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama have both been quoted this northern summer as saying they would like to test themselves in a more high-profile league.

That has clearly irked Lennon but he admits occasionally selling players for big money is part of the club's development plan.

"I'm a bit annoyed because when players are on international business, they shouldn't be talking about club business," he said.

"But it was the same with Aiden McGeady a couple of years ago. He was a fabulous player here and a very important player but we got an offer that was good business.

"Every other player, regardless of whether it's Ki, Victor, Gary (Hooper), Fraser, Adam Matthews, Emilio (Izaguirre), they are all in the same boat.

"Every player has his price and sometimes you have to move players on for their future and the benefit of the club."