ODSONNE EDOUARD is at the centre of a multi-million pound tug-of-war as the transfer deadline approaches.
Bordeaux, Rubin Kazan and Everton have all been linked with the 23-year-old French striker as the clock ticks down to the 11pm deadline on Tuesday.
The Russian outfit, who sold Swedish central defender Carl Starfelt to the Hoops for £4.5million last month, are reportedly willing to pay something in the region of £16million for the former Under-21 international.
Despite the distractions, Ange Postecoglou admits he will have no hesitation in playing Edouard, who is out of contract at the end of the season, in the first Glasgow derby of the campaign at Ibrox tomorrow at midday.
The same applies to playmaker Ryan Christie who will be a free agent at the turn of the year and has been linked in recent weeks with Burnley.
Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I have stopped hoping or fearing about those exits. What I saw was Ryan gave everything in Alkmaar to get us the qualification and worked his socks off.
“Odsonne when he came on was outstanding. That’s all I can deal with. What’s in front of me. We’ll see what happens over the next few days.
“What I do know is those guys feel for this club and give everything when wearing our shirt and that’s important.
“Because, irrespective of whether exits happen or not, you can’t take away from the fact they have contributed greatly to this club and they want to keep doing that.
“I’m keeping an open mind. It’ll be great if they stay, but think these decisions fall on the players themselves to make the best for their careers.”
According to reports, Goodison boss Rafa Benitez has set his sights on Edouard and the club have “sounded out” the Hoops about a deal and they are alleged to be ready to meet the frontman’s £80,000-per-week wage demands.
Postecoglou is on the brink of securing a new hitman with Greek powerhouse Georgios Giakoumakis poised to arrive in a £2.5million switch from Dutch outfit VVV-Venlo.
Last season’s Eredivisie 33-goal top marksman has agreed a four year contract to move to Parkhead and all that remains is for the 26-year-old to pass the formality of a medical which could take place tomorrow.
