ANGE POSTECOGLOU is refusing to rule out Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer playing a role in his Celtic revolution.
The French striker and Norwegian utility defender are both entering the last year of their contracts and have been tipped to move this summer.
Edouard has been linked with a host of interested clubs – including a reunion with his ex-Hoops gaffer Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City – while reports claim the club have knocked back two identical bids of £10million from Bayer Leverkusen and Norwich City for Ajer.
The former Australia international manager has urged his players not to make rash decisions about their futures. Asked if he was accepting the double-act would be heading for the exit, he answered: “Why should I when I’ve not had that discussion with them?
“I’ll make those decisions myself based on what I see and assess.
WATCHING BRIEF…Ange Postecoglou knows when the talking has to stop.
“I have a multitude of people giving me advice and opinions. But I’m the one responsible.
“I’ll have those discussions with the players and make sure the club’s interests are protected.
“Do I have to make a quick decision on Edouard? Again, it’ll be a two-way conversation. It’s not just about me and what I desire.
“Whether it’s Edoaurd or whoever, my feeling is that whatever dreams or aspirations they may have, I think they can accomplish them here at Celtic.”
Postecoglou, speaking to the Sunday Mail, added: “Hopefully, they see some synergy there and they want to be involved because whoever does choose to stay, I want to guarantee them that they’ll be part of something special.
“And maybe they should think about it before leaving because once you go out the door, it’s very hard to get back in.
“I will do what’s best for the club. If that means players depart, they’ll depart. If it means they stay, they stay.
TRANSFER TIGHTROPE…Kristoffer Ajer’s Celtic future is in the balance.
“But I won’t let anyone use the club as a vehicle for their own purposes. When the time comes for it to end, as it will for all of us, hopefully we leave some sort of legacy.
“But I won’t let anyone, player or staff, to serve themselves and put their personal interests ahead.
“So, yes, there are discussions I will have with players over the coming weeks.
“But I can assure you that whoever does stay will be committed to this club.”
Ryan Christie, with just six months to run on his deal, is another who will have a meeting with the new boss, but, after turning down several extension offers during last season’s forgettable season, the Scotland international midfielder looks to be on his way with Rodgers again credited with an interest while French duo Monaco and Nice have been monitoring his situation.
Postecoglou will also have to deal with Leigh Griffiths, Olivier Ntcham and address the Boli Bolingoli position although the Belgian defender could be heading back to Turkey on a permanent deal, as CQN reported yesterday.
