© Provided by Transfer TavernCeltic's Odsonne Edouard
Former Leeds United striker and now Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has urged the Whites to make a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.
The Lowdown: Edouard set for exit
It seems as if Edouard has now played his final game for the Hoops. The Frenchman started in the club's final game of the season against Hibernian on Saturday, with the Easter Road clash ending in a stalemate.
Reports in recent months have suggested that the 23-year-old wants to leave Celtic Park this summer, regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon. Leicester City are reportedly confident of securing Edouard's services, but Whelan wants Leeds to make their move over the coming months.
The Latest: Whelan urges Leeds to make move
According to Football Insider, Leeds are putting plans in place to sign a new, young striker and have set aside £20m-25m to bolster their attacking ranks.
Speaking to Football Insider about the subject, Whelan staked his claim for Edouard, who Lennon described as 'magnificent' earlier this season. The 46-year-old said:
"We've got to look long term here.
"You want someone you can improve, can grow into the side, grow into the football club and be there for three to four seasons. There's already a player out there - Edouard.
"I keep saying it, go get him. He's at Celtic. He fits that mould, he'd be competition. There's many, many clubs interested in him, why shouldn't we be? You can get him at a really good price.
"We've got to start looking at other people. Can we take away the players that other teams are trying to get?
"Victor Orta's not failed us yet. What we do need is that striker. That's the right criteria that we need to bring into the football club."
The Verdict: Hoops need a proven replacement
With Edouard seemingly on his way out of Parkhead, we feel it is pivotal that Celtic bring in a proven replacement this summer. The Frenchman has netted 57 Scottish Premiership goals in 100 appearances, with 16 of those coming in the current campaign.
Mohamed Elyounoussi is the only other Hoops player to net double figures this season in all competitions, and he's set to return to Southampton over the coming weeks.
Immediate firepower seems to be what is required under the new manager, so it looks set to be a crucial summer window for new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay.
In other news: 'Something happened' - McAvennie shares inside Celtic claim as news emerges on ace who wants out, find out more here.
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