Celtic manager twist today: Howe cannot persuade Edouard to stay but 'bigger name' manager can

Paul Robinson has claimed a "bigger name" than Eddie Howe would be able to persuade Odsonne Edouard to stay at Celtic.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one insisted Celtic's next manager must do "everything in his power" to persuade the "magnificent" 23-year-old to remain at Parkhead.

Edouard is fast approaching the final year of his contract with the Hoops and his future has been the subject of much transfer speculation over the past 12 months.

This site revealed on Monday that the French striker has set his sights on leaving Scotland this summer, regardless of who succeeds Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

Football Insider understands Celtic have made Eddie Howe a “wonderful” offer to become their new manager but there is growing concern that he is having second thoughts about taking the role.

Robinson claimed the Hoops would need "one of the world's best" if they want to keep hold of Edouard.

"I think a bigger name manager than Howe would be able to persuade Edouard to stay and sign a new deal," he told Football Insider.

"If they got one of the world's best managers, on a decent transfer budget, then things may be different for Edouard.

"The first job of any manager coming into the club has to be to try and persuade Edouard to stay. They have to do everything in their power to keep him.

"He is a magnificent player who has been so important for Celtic over the past few years. He has been great for them.

"Convincing him to stay will be difficult if he has already made up his mind though." 

In other news, two-times title winner emerges as Eddie Howe alternative at Celtic.