Celtic held talks for 21-year-old striker on Saturday – reliable journalist
By Derek Smithson
French club Marseille held discussions with Celtic at the weekend about striker Moussa Dembele, according to a reliable journalist.
Sky Sports correspondent Kaveh Solhekol claimed on his personal Twitter account that the two clubs held talks on Saturday about Marseille signing the 21-year-old.
It is understood that the France Under-21 international will cost £20million if he is to leave Scotland this summer.
Dembele enjoyed a brilliant first season at Celtic last year and cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
The forward was in prolific form for the Bhoys and scored a sensational 32 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.
He helped Brendan Rodgers’ side win a famous treble as they went through the domestic season unbeaten.
Marseille finished fifth in Ligue 1 last season and are trying to complete a deal for Dembele to bolster their frontline.
Football Insider verdict:
Celtic should do everything they can to keep Dembele at the club for at least another season as he is key if they are to improve on the European stage. The 21-year-old is a huge talent and his performances last season in Scotland didn’t go unnoticed. He is probably ready to play at higher level, but it would be in his best interests to stay at Parkhead for the immediate future. Dembele improved drastically under the tutelage of manager Brendan Rodgers and would benefit immensely from more time with him. The striker is also guaranteed regular first-team action with Celtic, but the pressures would rise immensely if he completed a big-money move away. When Celtic do decide to cash in on the youngster they should be looking to exceed the £20million mark too, with his vast potential making him closer to £40million in todays market.
In other Celtic transfer news, a defender has sealed his exit from the club.
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