GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the William Hill Scottish Cup final match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park National Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. Players of Hearts will wear the number 26 on their shorts as a tribute to Ex-Hearts player Marius Zaliukas who past away earlier in the week. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa have received a boost in their efforts to sign Odsonne Edouard. The Celtic striker has switched agencies and his new agency is the same one that looks after Villa captain Jack Grealish.
AC Milan are also said to be in the chase for him but Celtic are reluctant to sell him in January. A £30million fee is being expected by Celtic.
Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed a good start to the season having won 8 of their 15 games so far. They look in much better shape than last season and that is very much due to the recruitment done in the summer. The arrival of Ollie Watkins and Ross Barkley has contributed to the club’s success so far.
However, the problem is that there is no quality cover or competition for Ollie Watkins. Keinan Davis hasn’t done much to make his case while Wesley is likely to return this month. With the festive period approaching, fixtures are going to come thick and fast. With Watkins playing all of their games this season, it does not bode well.
It is clear that Villa are in clear need of a consistent goalscorer in order to improve their displays this season. The club’s interest in Edouard makes complete sense. They should, therefore, not hesitate to sign him even if it costs them big.
It is evident that Villa lack a proven goalscorer in their ranks other than Grealish and Watkins. Who better than Edouard, who has proved himself in just two years at Celtic, to ease some of those issues. Moreover, he is just 22 and could go on to become the player to lead their attack in the coming years.
Given Villa’s current situation, the in-form Frenchman could prove to be a huge asset. Not only will it give some respite to Watkins but some competition as well to keep both of them on their toes.