NEIL Lennon says he intends to keep Jason Cummings and John McGinn at Hibernian after being officially unveiled as their new manager.
Both players have been linked with moves away from Easter Road after the club failed to earn promotion to the Premiership despite the pair's impressive individual form.
The former Celtic boss was presented to the media as Hibs manager for the first time today and got straight down to discussing transfer market activity.
Read more: Pat Nevin: Neil Lennon must get Hibernian promoted but he's a great fit
He told Press Association Sport: "John and Jason are excellent players who have just had terrific seasons.
"They are vital to what I want to do so I'd like to sit down and speak to the both of them.
Read more: Tom Boyd expects Neil Lennon to shine in Leith
"I'm hoping they will see things my way and want to stay for a while."
The Northern Irishman was also asked about Anthony Stokes, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hibs last season and is set to leave Celtic this summer.
"If I could get him here it would be fantastic but I think that may be beyond us in terms of finances," he said.
"I know the budget is strong. That was never an issue in coming here though. It's the challenge that interests me more.
"I need to now sit down with the players I want to keep. There are players making waves to try and go but I don't want that to happen."
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