RODGERS: EDDIE CAN BE MOUSSA MARK II

Edouard can be Dembele’s replacement, says Rodgers

BRENDAN Rodgers has hinted that French striker Moussa Dembele could part ways with Celtic this summer but the Parkhead manager believes that Odsonne Edouard is his natural replacement.

Edouard netted a brace against Rangers on Sunday afternoon as Celtic eased to their seventh successive title and talks with PSG are expected to take place

over the coming weeks regarding a permanent move for the 20-year-old. Celtic have an option to buy the striker following his loan deal this term and Rodgers regards the Frenchman as next in line for the leading forward role.

It would take a club record fee for a longterm deal to sign Edouard, who has netted 11 goals in 28 games for the club this term. The received wisdom was that a fee of £8m had been agreed between Celtic and PSG for the player, but that was scotched by Rodgers some months ago, with the perception that the Parkhead side will need to go higher than that.

Any prospective sale of Dembele this summer could finance the move for his countryman.

“Moussa is a fantastic player and the reasons why he has come here have borne fruit,” he said. “We wouldn’t want to lose him, but you have to think he’s a big talent and something may happen in the summer. We try and have the next one lined up.

“Odsonne is a top talent. If you look at him, we brought him in for a reason. He has developed and grown over the season. This is a wonderful place to continue with that education.

“We have Leigh Griffiths as well. He has suffered a bit with injuries this season, but he’s a top talent. We can use the best of the strikers in the games in order to win.

“I have said all along, and I know there were question marks about him, that Odsonne has everything. He needs an education and has a way to go, but he’s a top talent.

“It’s up to the clubs. The club will meet with PSG and say where we can take it.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Scott Bain is expected to seal a permanent switch to Celtic shortly. The 26-year-old was signed as emergency cover on the final day of the January window after an injury to Craig Gordon.