Everton are reported to be preparing a summer move for Odsonne Edouard.
According to a report in the Daily Mail the French striker has been watched in recent matches against Kilmarnock and Copenagen as Carlo Ancelotti prepares for a busy summer in the transfer market.
The Italian took charge at Goodison in December and instantly pulled the club clear of relegation and into contention for a Europa League place.
Edouard has two years left to run on his Celtic contract but if a serious bid comes in during the summer there are footballing reasons as well as financial benefits to consider.
The Daily Mail reports:
Everton have put themselves in the race to sign Odsonne Edouard after conducting several scouting trips to see the Celtic striker.
TheFrance Under 21 international has been outstanding for Celtic during his two years in Scotland and they want to keep Edouard; they have already begun preliminary moves to offer a contract extension to ensure he stays to help them attempt to win 10 titles in a row.
Celtic are aware, though, that Edouard’s goals have made him in-demand and Everton have been frequent visitors to Parkhead, specifically sending scouts to the back-to-back games against Kilmarnock and FC Copenhagen last month.
Tottenham and Leicester are also watching Edouard but Everton – who are looking to bring more goals to their team next season – have made their intentions clear, as they have further plans to watch a player who will command the biggest transfer fee in Scottish football.
Edouard is in his third season at Celtic with his club goals being complemented by being the top scorer in this season’s UEFA u-21 European qualifiers.
The 22-year-old has given no indication that he is angling for a move but the same was true about Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney who were both sold with more than two years left on their contracts.