FORMER Celtic boss Neil Lennon is being targeted to take charge of Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv in a shock move.

Lennon, who was last in management at Cypriot club Omonia, is being sought out by Hapoel Tel Aviv, who are currently in the relegation zone of the Israeli top flight after their league split, however, their safety looks likely.

Hapoel have former Celtic Head of Operations Nick Hammond as their sports director and he is confident that Lennon is the ideal candidate to take the club forward, expressing his belief to the board, The Sun reports. 

The 51–year–old Lennon has previously expressed an interest in managing in Israel, saying in an interview last year:

“I would definitely consider coaching an Israeli team. Israeli clubs have had success in Europe and it‘s somewhere that appeals to me.”

The side are desperate for success after not winning a league title for 13 years. Lennon boasts a good managerial record, having won ten trophies with Celtic as a manager and a Championship success with Hibs too, while winning a cup in Cyprus which took Omonia to the Europa League group stages.

Hapoel are currently managed by Haim Silvas, however, he is set to leave the club at the end of the season.