Georgios Samaras is not surprised that Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been linked with a move to Everton.

The race for the managerial hot-seat at Goodison Park is under way after it was confirmed yesterday that David Moyes will take over from soon-to-be-retired Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United on July 1.

With Lennon and the Parkhead club's profile boosted by the Hoops' remarkable journey to the last-16 of the Champions League this season, Samaras believes that it is only "normal" that other clubs are likely to be interested.

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The Greece international said: "I haven't heard anything but all I can say is that when you are playing at a high level like the Champions League and doing well then for sure people will come and watch the players or the manager or whoever is part of the team.

"That is normal. When you are doing well, people will come and watch you.

"But I don't know what he is thinking or what he wants to do."

For his part, Samaras insists he has no intention of leaving Glasgow any time soon.

The 28-year-old arrived at Parkhead on loan from Manchester City in January 2008, before signing a permanent deal the following summer and is now the longest-serving player at the club aside from skipper Scott Brown.

While speculation surrounds the future of some Hoops players such as Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster, Samaras, voted player of the year by the club's supporters recently, is "fully committed" to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions.

He will sit down and discuss an extension to his current deal which finishes next year, at a time to suit both parties.

He said: "I have one more year of my contract and hopefully I will be here next season.

"Six years is a lot but it has gone in so fast and when you feel good at the club, people are looking after you and you feel you are part of a big family, I cannot see a reason to leave.

"But it is too soon to speak about a contract. When they are ready and I am ready then we will have a chat.

"But we have plenty of time, don't worry."

PA

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