McLeish expects Celtic duo to leave amid journalist update on Giakoumakis talks
Alex McLeish has cast doubt over the futures of Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths as Celtic reportedly work on signing VVV Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss suggested the “underlying situation” with the duo had led the Bhoys into the transfer market.
As reported by editor in chief of Greek publication Sportime, Giannis Chorianopoulos (24th August), Celtic have agreed terms in principle with Venlo over a transfer.
The journalist later claimed on Tuesday the Hoops were set to hold fresh talks with the striker over personal terms.
Negotiations between Giakoumakis and Celtic’s transfer rivals Werder Bremen reportedly almost collapsed.
McLeish admitted all clubs were always in the market for new strikers.
However, he questioned whether Edouard and Griffiths’ futures at Parkhead are certain.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You’re always looking. There’s the old saying you’re only as good as your strikers.
“Providing that striker can come in and be an instant for Celtic, that’s the golden question. We know that the current signings have done reasonably well.
“The Japanese guy getting a hat trick, he could have had six that day. He has started the season well. There’s comparisons to Henrik Larsson, though I thnk we need to give him a couple of years before we can say that.
“You’re always looking for somebody who’s going to be a potent threat. Especially with the underlying situation with Edouard and Leigh Griffiths.
“Leigh has not nailed down a regular place in the last couple of seasons.”
Both Griffiths’ and Edouard’s contracts run out next summer.
The Scotland international is yet to feature for the Bhoys this season.
In other news, Celtic have been tipped to make three new signings amid £17.5million report.