Transfer news: Neil Lennon would love if Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Celtic...but jokes he would have to get in the team first

Swedish striker had said he wants to end his career in Scotland

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has reportedly professed his love for Celtic (GETTY IMAGES)

Celtic manager Neil Lennon was delighted to hear that the mercurial striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to finish his career at Parkhead – but has joked that the Swede will have to get in his team first.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, 32, was reported to have told reporters from the Scottish Sun over the weekend in response to a question about the Scottish Premiership champions' former Swedish striker Henrik Larsson, who scored 242 goals in 315 appearances for the Bhoys between 1997 and 2004: "Celtic is a club with a big tradition and a place any top player would want to end their career."

"How could I say I wouldn’t want to play for those fans every week?

"Henrik was good enough to play for any team in Europe. But after playing at Celtic Park it is easy to understand why he chose to stay there for so long."

Lennon responded in jest: "He'd have to play well to get in our team.

"It's one of those stories - I don't know how true it is - but it would be wonderful if we could get that type of player to the club.

It's a nice compliment for the club and just shows the reputation we have built up over the years.

"That's testament to the players' performances over the last couple of seasons - the supporters as well and what they bring to Celtic Park on European nights.

"I think a lot of players and coaches would like to sample that on a regular basis."

Neil Lennon would love Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his team (GETTY IMAGES)