Aston Villa eye move for Odsonne Edouard

Former Paris Saint-Germain starlet Odsonne Edouard still remains a strong target for several Premier League sides as Celtic could be in for a fight to hold onto their key striker before the transfer window closes.

According to both Daily Express and the Daily Star, Aston Villa still remain as the leading contenders for the Frenchman’s signature – but face a race against time with only two weeks of the English transfer window remaining.

Dean Smith’s side have already spend a considerable amount of money in bolstering their ranks over the summer with Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and Emiliano Martinez all arriving at the Midlands side as the Villans look to secure their Premier League status once again.

Villa’s spending spree appears to be set to continue as they set the France under-21 international in their sights – but Celtic are looking to command a fee of around £40 million for his signature.

The Frenchman was a leading contributor to Celtic’s title retention last season as he scored 27 goals and assisted a further 19. Having already scored an impressive five goals since the start of the new season, Edouard is exhibiting no signs of slowing down as his prolific form continues.

As a consequence, Neil Lennon’s side are equally unprepared to let their key player go without commanding a strong reimbursement.

Meanwhile, Villa striker Wesley Moares – who arrived at Aston Villa for a then-record fee for the club – is still ruled out of action after suffering a debilitating ACL injury.

Despite the presence of Mbwana Samatta and club-record signing Watkins, Dean Smith clearly views a lack of goal threat as a key issue to remedy ahead of the full swing of the 2020/21 season.

Leicester, Arsenal and Crystal Palace are among some of the clubs that have previously been linked with Edouard but these suitors appear to be seeking striking options from elsewhere, having been put off by the size of the Bhoys’ asking price.