Celtic fear Odsonne Edouard transfer with Leeds, Leicester, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Crystal Palace in hunt

Published

28th August 2020

CELTIC are braced for a Premier League bidding war for Odsonne Edouard.

The Hoops’ Champions League exit will trigger increased interest in the £30million-rated striker.

Transfer interest is high in Celtic star Edouard

Celts, who signed £3.25m David Turnbull from Motherwell, are under no extra pressure to sell after their defeat to Ferencvaros.

But SunSport understands at least six top-flight English clubs are now keen on landing Edouard.

Leicester, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leeds are all in the hunt.

And there is a growing fear at Parkhead that French Eddy could walk out on Celtic’s bid for ten in a row.

Hoops chiefs do not want to sell their star man and it would take a record offer for them to even consider it.

But French sources claim Edouard’s agents are fully aware of the growing interest in the 22-year-old.

And the former PSG kid’s head could be turned by the prospect of a massive wage increase in the world’s biggest league.

Premier League sides watched Edouard during Celtic’s win over Dundee United

Brendan Rodgers splashed out £9m to sign Edouard for Celts in 2018 and remains an admirer as Leicester manager.

A Foxes scout was at Tannadice to watch the Hoops against Dundee United on Saturday.

Everton and Leeds spies were also in attendance, but there is widespread interest in Edouard.

He was named in the France Under-21 squad, despite missing the Ferencvaros tie with a thigh problem.

That injury came as Neil Lennon questioned the commitment of several players in his squad.

The Celtic boss refused to be drawn on names, but it’s understood certain first-team players are open to moves away.

French midfielder Olivier Ntcham has been in and out of the side, with Southampton keeping tabs on his situation.

Kristoffer Ajer was benched for two games before Celtic’s shock defeat to Ferencvaros and is also attracting interest.

AC Milan are long-term admirers of the Norwegian defender, while Premier League new boys West Brom are also interested.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon watches on as Ferencvaros shock his side

Ajer has entered the last two years of his contract and recently axed his long-term agent for the SEG group.

Australian playmaker Tom Rogic remains in talks with a Qatari club over a £4m switch.

Lennon claims he won’t keep unhappy players and is now focusing on strengthening his squad.

Turnbull is expected to be followed by at least three more new faces.

That number could increase further should Celtic ship out any of their wantaway players in the coming weeks.

Lennon plans to strengthen his defence and remains in the market for a powerful centre-half.

Celtic have held talks over Shane Duffy, but Brighton want a £2m loan fee and his wages covered.

Boli Bolingoli’s Hoops career looks to be over following his Covid-19 breach and Lennon will bring in a new left-back.

The Celtic boss could also add a winger, with Mikey Johnston set to be sidelined for months after calf surgery.