Celtic make decision about sensational Odsonne Edouard return after confession
Celtic are unlikely to pursue a move to re-sign Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard despite speculation surrounding a return to Parkhead.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 27-year-old’s potential move back to Glasgow from South London.
This comes after Brendan Rodgers confessed: “Odsonne hasn’t been on my radar, to be fair. I obviously know him but it’s about a player who will fit into the structure of the team.” [The Sun]
Football Insider revealed on 12 July that Celtic want to sign at least two strikers as Rodgers wants to add a “big-name” forward to his squad this summer.
The club have yet to plug the gap left by Kyogo Furuhashi, who left to join Rennes in January and has since moved to EFL Championship side Birmingham City.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Crystal Palace plan to sell Edouard permanently amid interest from the MLS and Saudi Pro League.
Odsonne Edouard to leave Crystal Palace after Celtic twist
Edouard spent last season on loan at Leicester City, where he made just eight appearances which led to speculation that Leicester wanted to cancel his loan in January.
Palace, meanwhile, are not planning for the Frenchman to re-establish himself in Oliver Glasner’s first-team plans, leading to speculation about a return to Celtic.
However, O’Rourke revealed that there are no plans to bring him back to Parkhead this summer, and Rodgers’ striker search will instead focus on other targets.
“It seems unlikely right now,” he told Football Insider.
“Brendan Rodgers has publicly come out and poured cold water on the suggestions that Edouard could make a return to Celtic Park.
“He said he’s not really on his radar right now, so that probably tells you everything you need to know.
“Celtic are looking for striker reinforcements and are close to bringing in Shin Yamada.
“Rodgers is still looking to sign a big-name striker to the club before the end of the window to fill the void of Kyogo following his departure in January.
“Odsonne Edouard was a great player for Celtic before he made that move to Crystal Palace, but it doesn’t look likely that he’ll get a return to Celtic.”
Tyrell Malacia update emerges as Man United exit likely
Another Premier League player Celtic have been linked with a move for in the summer transfer window is Man United left-back Tyrell Malacia.
Football Insider revealed on 14 July that Celtic could sign Malacia on a permanent deal if Man United are willing to subsidise his wages.
However, a loan move is the most likely outcome as things stand, while there are doubts about whether he would be willing to join as a backup to Kieran Tierney.
This comes after former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 13 July that Celtic could struggle to sign Malacia amid interest from Eredivisie clubs.
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