TEAMtalk understands that Leicester City are confident that they will complete the signing of Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard this summer.
Brendan Rodgers is a huge fan of the Frenchman after their spell together at Parkhead and gave his bosses the green light to seek a deal earlier this year. Now Leicester believes they have faced a host of clubs to land the 23-year-old, who is set to leave Celtic this summer. Edouard has one year left on his current contract, which he signed in 2018 from Paris Saint Germain for just over £ 6m after a successful loan period.
Since then, he has cemented his place as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards and has been linked to a host of clubs including Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and even with a return to PSG.
West Ham even hired specific agents to close the deal.
Liverpool was also among those reported to be interested. In fact recently it was stated that they were exploring the possibility of a swap deal. That would have seen the Bhoys sign unwanted Reds forward Divock Origi as part of the deal.
However, Edouard is reported to have missed the opportunity: despite a personal phone call from Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.
Anfield Central reported that Edouard told Klopp that he wasn’t sure where he would fit in in his attack.
Now we have been told by sources with knowledge of the situation that Edouard will almost certainly target the King Power and will provide some high quality attacking options for Rodgers.
Leicester has been looking to add their current options to their front line with Jamie Vardy, Ayoze Pérez and Kelechi Iheanacho. But with a likely Champions League campaign on the horizon, the club wanted more.
Edouard has scored 16 goals and had five assists in 26 Scottish Premiership games this season.
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Hartson thinks Edouard will leave
Meanwhile, former forward John Hartson believes Celtic will lose Edouard after falling behind the Rangers this season.
Hartson told Go Radio: “We won’t be able to keep Edouard, we’ve really held onto Edouard with a piece of rope, to be honest with you.
“He has been so close to leaving. I think his time will come, he will go on.
If Edouard stays at Celtic, they will be without him for the Champions League playoffs. The Frenchman is scheduled to be selected for the Japan Olympics.
The Scottish Suns say that means they will definitely miss the second round qualifiers in July and the group stage will take place between July 22-28.
You can also miss the third round with the knockout rounds of the tournament until August 7.
READ MORE: Rodgers Reveals How Leicester Aims To Stay In The Top Four; say hi to Bruce ‘outstanding’
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