Chris Sutton believes that keeping Moussa Dembele happy must be Celtic’s transfer priority.
The striker is approaching the halfway stage in his four year contract and has been strongly linked with a move away during every transfer window.
A year ago Dembele was one of the most talked about names in the game but failed to get close to the heights of his debut season.
Despite that he still played a key role in Celtic’s treble success with imposing, dominating performances at Pittodrie, Ibrox and Hampden.
The clubs linked to Dembele this summer won’t be as glamorous as those a year ago but regardless of that Sutton believes that retaining the young French striker will be a statement of intent for the season ahead.
Explaining the situation in the Daily Record Sutton stated: “I see Celtic are still locked in talks to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG and the early signs appear to be very encouraging.
“The player is also making the right noises in terms of wanting to stay at Celtic. That would represent another huge boost for Brendan Rodgers’ men coming hot on the heels of Tom Rogic’s new five-year deal.
“However for me the best piece of business that Celtic could complete this summer would be holding on to Moussa Dembele.
“The Frenchman may not have had as good a campaign as his debut season but he still bagged an impressive goals tally and helped Celtic have another magnificent season domestically by clinching the double Treble.
“Whenever Celtic were asked a question in big games this season they turned up. They stepped up domestically whenever they were challenged and Dembele more than played a major part.
“The one negative was the European campaign. That wasn’t up to scratch.
“Holding onto the best players would aid them in that quest. Celtic will be tested in the summer and there will be suitors for Dembele but we all want to see them take the next step in Europe now. In order to do that they need to keep hold of Dembele as well as strengthen.”
Celtic paid Fulham a development fee for Dembele in July 2016 with the striker becoming Brendan Rodgers’ most significant signing.