Odsonne Edouard looks set to be Celtic's record signing, with reports suggesting that the Frenchman is closing in on a £9 million switch to the SPL champions.
The 20-year-old spent the last season on loan from the Ligue 1 club impressed Brendan Rodgers during his stint at Celtic Park, scoring 11 goals in 29 appearances for the club.
Celtic reportedly beat off competition from Lyon & Rennes to secure the signing of Edouard, who has represented France at U17, U18 and U19 level.
Sky Sports News has reported that Celtic could have sealed a move for the forward last October for around half of the price they will pay now, but a transfer could not be arranged. The Scottish side have until June 16th to trigger a deal for the youngster.
If Edouard completes a £9 million move to Celtic he will beat the previous record of £6m which was paid for John Hartson by Martin O'Neill almost two decades ago.
Brendan Rodgers spoke last month in glowing terms about the forward, and stated that the 20-year-old would be an ample replacement should Mousa Dembele leave the club in the summer
Moussa is a fantastic player and the reasons why he has come here have borne fruit. 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.
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.
