Celtic boss Neil Lennon has issued a hands-off warning to Zenit over James Forrest - claiming he wants to build his team around the tricky winger.

Forrest has been linked with a £12m move with the Russian giants reportedly willing to pay to get their man.

The Hoops have already raked in £25m for Kieran Tierney and recently knocked back a last-ditch bid from Brendan Rodgers' Leicester City for Callum McGregor.

READ MORE: James Forrest asks Celtic to deal him again in as he bids to become a one-club man

Now Lennon has put an end to any speculation regarding Forrest to St Petersburg.

He said: "[Forrest] is another one that we don't want to go.

"A big player, a big goalscorer. He has been here a long, long time. He is under contract.

"There is no confirmation of that [Zenit interest], it is just speculation, but it doesn't surprise me. 

"However, from my point of view we want James here and he is happy here as well.

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"It's important to hold on to your better players, we have already sold one so we don't want to sell any more. 

"We are looking to add to the squad rather than selling any more of our important players and James certainly falls into that category."

Lennon also confirmed that his side will welcome back Hatem Abd Elhamed from injury along with Mikey Johnston ahead of this week's Champions League clash with CFR Cluj.