Exclusive: Bruce makes £70m+ claim as Celtic contract plot revealed

Alex Bruce insists that Celtic need to do everything they can to try and tie Odssone Edouard down to a new deal before the summer transfer window.

The former Kilmarnock defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, suggests the 22-year-old may be eyeing up a move elsewhere after his fantastic form at Parkhead.

As revealed exclusively by Football Insider, the striker's camp have been unwilling to enter "serious" talks over a new contract despite the Hoops' efforts.

It is understood that the former PSG man will demand a release clause in negotiations if he were to sign a new deal.

Bruce has urged the Bhoys to go all out to get the hitman to put pen to paper, claiming his contractual demands may not be too much of a hindrance.

Bruce told Football Insider: "Obviously a massive player for them. Good player, probably their talisman, their goalscorer.

"The age he's at, it doesn't surprise me that he's maybe looking at clubs elsewhere because he's such a good player and such a good prospect. If I was Celtic, I'd be doing everything I can to keep him because he's a huge player for them.

Asked about the striker wanting a release clause in any new deal, Bruce went on to say: "It depends what the release clause is. If they put a release clause of £70-80million, it's obviously good for both parties."

Edouard, who initially arrived on loan back in 2017, has scored a total of 60 goals in 126 appearances for the Bhoys.

He is the Premiership's top scorer this season, netting 21 times in the top flight.

In other Celtic news, the club's hopes of winning a treble this season have been iced.