Celtic accept bid from Swansea for Ki Sung-Yueng

Celtic have agreed to sell Ki Sung-Yueng to Swansea, with manager Neil Lennon describing the fee of around £6m as “good business”.

Lennon said “advanced discussions” were under way for the transfer of the 23-year-old South Korean international.

“It will be unfortunate to lose a talented player, but that’s been our strategy at the club now for the last two or three years,” added Lennon.

“We cultivate players then move them on. We feel it’s good business.”

A Celtic spokesman had earlier confirmed that Swansea had submitted a bid that has been accepted, with the player now mulling over the move.

Ki was a stand-out performer as South Korea won an Olympic bronze medal, beating Japan in the third-place play-off.

Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby said: “He is keen to move on. There have been a few clubs interested in him.

“He is a quality player, but on the other hand he is keen to move on, so the club needs to do something.

“He was away at the Olympics for a period of time, but we will be sorry to see him go.”

The Swede also said he was not convinced Celtic would have to replace the 47-times capped player, while Lennon was unsure if any funds would be made available from the potential sale.

“He has not really been a part of the season so far so we have shown that we can live without him, but on the other hand it would be nice to get someone else in if he goes away,” added Mjallby.

“If quality players leave the club, you want to freshen things up and have competition.

“But, even with Ki here, we would like to see some other faces.”

Ki signed for Celtic in January 2010 after three years with FC Seoul in his homeland, making his debut in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk .

The midfielder, who made 34 appearances last season, has yet to return to Scotland following his time at the Olympics.