CELTIC No.2 Chris Davies has admitted Moussa Dembele is eyeing up a move away from Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers’ right-hand man insisted there has been no firm bid for last season’s 32-goal hitman, but several English clubs remain interested before the transfer window slams shut.
Everton and Crystal Palace have been monitoring the French Under-21 international’s situation and Davies reckons it may be difficult to persuade Dembele to remain at the champions as they chase historic back-to-back trebles.
Rodgers revealed the frontman, who has netted eight goals this season, was left out against Brechin City for the Scottish Cup-tie at the weekend as his head was not right amid the uncertainty over his future.
Davies said: “Time has gone on and, obviously, there has been interest in him.
“It’s a feeling now that, of course, he’s our player and we’re happy for him to be here and we know what he can do.
“But there is also an acceptance that maybe Moussa feels it is the right time for him to move on.
“And when a player feels that way, then, there is not an awful lot of point in stopping them – unless you really have to. So that’s kind of how it’s evolved.
“I don’t think Moussa is desperate to leave. The situation is where it is.
“But nothing has actually happened yet, it’s been speculation.
“Here we are with nine or 10 days to go and there’s been no formal bid. So we can only take it like that – and possibly stop focusing on that situation so much.”
The 21-year-old former Fulham ace is in the frame to face Partick Thistle at Firhill tonight and Leigh Griffiths, who missed the Brechin win with an ankle injury, is also fit again.
On-loan Paris Saint-German marksman Odsonne Edouard, who fired in the fifth against the Glebe Park outfit in the 5-0 romp, is also in contention to face the Jags.
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT TONIGHT WITH THE ORIGINAL HOLY GOALIE, JOHN FALLON
A Celtic State of Mind presents its 31st instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.
Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham are joined by Lisbon Lion, John Fallon, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.
The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.
John – The Original Holy Goalie – discusses pay disputes, bonus rows, cigarettes & alcohol at Seamill, breaking up The Lisbon Lions and The Quality Street Gang, the battle of Montevideo, his volatile relationship with Jock Stein, and he finally tells the full story behind his European Cup winners’ medal.
The CQN Podcast has gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months, and there are many more guests lined up in the months ahead from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature and politics.
Our first two editions of 2018 have attracted huge audiences for the interviews with former Celtic Director Tom Grant them politician and life long Celtic supporter Tommy Sheridan, who likes a rant!
Talking about rants, we hand over to the Original Holy Goalie, when it comes to matters concerning Celtic, he has an opinion on everything. Legend!
Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes, @anorthernprose and @CQNMagazine and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or through your podcast player.
Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!
