I like your style: Neil Lennon says he hopes to make Efrain Juarez his next signing. Pic: © Reuters
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed his interest in Mexican international Efrain Juarez and says he hopes the player will be unveiled as his latest signing during the current North American tour. Reports in Mexico on Tuesday said that Juarez, who can play on the right side of defence or in midfield, had agreed a three-year contract subject to a medical and the player receiving a work permit.
"We are very close to signing him and hopefully over the next few days we'll have something on that,” Lennon told the Daily Record. “He might not come to Philly but hopefully he'll come to Toronto.
"He played midfield in the World Cup, playing right of a three and I've seen him play the other side as well.
"He's got great energy, is really comfortable on the ball and works really hard the ball. He's a very fit lad and I think his style will suit us. He's a hardy little guy as well - he can put his foot in.”
Lennon revealed his interest in the player began before the World Cup, where Juarez made three appearances for his country, against South Africa, France and Argentina.
"I saw Juarez playing against England at Wembley before the World Cup and just kept an eye on him,” the Celtic manager explained.
"I thought he looked decent there and in the World Cup and when the opportunity came up we watched him again and again and asked if he would fit in to what we wanted to do here.
"We all agreed that he would. We're not paying massive money for him."
Reports on Tuesday stated that Celtic had initially attempted to secure the player on a year-long loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer but that Pumas had rejected the structure of the deal. A full transfer has now apparently been agreed by both parties and subject to the necessary paperwork and medical being completed, Juarez will become a Celtic player.
As a former Barcelona youth player, who was an Under-17 World Cup winner in 2005, Juarez has an impressive pedigree and Pep Guardiola's side were reportedly interested in taking the player back to Camp Nou.
The signing of Juarez follows the capture of Joe Ledley on a free transfer as Neil Lennon rebuilds his squad for next season. Charlie Mulgrew and Cha Du-Ri have also been added to the squad this summer.
