Neil Lennon has slammed the 'levels of absurdity' surrounding his Rapid Bucharest side after being quizzed about the club's former captain.

The ex-Celtic boss is under pressure after Rapid failed to win in their first five league games of the season and are the only team in the Romanian top flight without a victory.

After a weekend draw against Gloria Bazau, he was asked about reports he had fallen out with 40-year-old Cristian Sapunaru, who used to be the club captain.
But that sparked a furious response from Lennon.

He said: "It is utter nonsense, utter nonsense. I don't know where you got that from. Cristi should have started, but he got injured and has still not recovered.

"So here I am again, answering some questions about some made-up rumour that I can't control. I don't want to talk about fiction, but about reality.

"This must end. It's embarrassing for the industry and your media, especially when unsubstantiated stories emerge.

"I am a professional, I have worked at a high level as a player and as a manager.

"I'm not here to discuss gossip, I'm not interested in drama. I'm here to do my job, to build a team that the fans can be proud of. I am surprised at the level of absurdity that surrounds the club, the players and myself.

"It's embarrassing and unprofessional. As professionals, we must behave accordingly. Maybe the game should improve here, there are far too many things like this."

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Meanwhile, Celtic are preparing to field a fifth bid from Atalanta for Matt O'Riley, according to a report.

Sky Italy says that the Serie A side is ready to come back in for the Denmark international, having failed with their latest bid of £20m on Saturday evening.

Brighton remains in talks with the Scottish Premiership champions over a potential deal for the 23-year-old. Chelsea are also believed to be keeping tabs on the player who scored 19 goals and made 18 assists in 49 appearances for the Hoops last term.