ODSONNE EDOUARD is poised for crunch talks on his future.
Transfer speculation has intensified over the past 24 hours following Celtic’s embarrassing Champions League exit to non-seeded Ferencvaros at Parkhead.
Edouard sat out the Hungarian humiliation in midweek with a thigh injury and was a massive miss for the team with Neil Lennon kicking off the encounter without a recognised striker in the line-up.
There are reports that SIX top-flight English clubs – with Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City among them – have been alerted to the Hoops’ dramatic loss of something in the region of a potential £30million for reaching the group stages.
The French ace, who cost a club record £9million when he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in June 2018 and is now valued in the £30million-plus bracket, still has two years to run on his contract with the nine-in-a-row champions.
Edouard will now speak with his representatives with the transfer window remaining open until October 5.
Lennon’s side, who completed the £3million deal for Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull yesterday, are eager for the 22-year-old attack leader to remain at the club until the end of what has been termed a “monumental season” with the historic tenth successive title up for grabs.
Edouard’s agent, Lasana Koita, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “Odsonne is happy at Celtic and enjoys life in Scotland.
“He is disappointed with the result on Wednesday especially as he was injured and could not play. I think the goal was certainly to qualify for the Champions League. That is football.
“I will speak with him. It is not crucial for Odsonne to be playing in the Champions League but it is important.
“We are going to wait because there is still a target for Celtic. There’s the Europa League and to go for 10 titles.
“Ten titles is important for Odsonne.
“We don’t know what will happen. For now, he is with Celtic. We don’t discuss with any other team for now.”
Aston Villa are also among the envious clubs across the border while Everton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds United have all been mentioned as possible suitors for the French Under-21 international.
The player’s representative added: “I heard of the interest from Aston Villa, I read it in the newspaper, and I think it’s true. But we have not had any contact with Aston Villa right now.”
The club opened discussions in the summer over a new contract for the fans’ favourite, but it remains unsigned.
However, the Hoops have not given up hope of the striker, who has scored 66 goals in 130 appearances, signing a lucrative extension.
