Report shares why £19k-a-week Celtic star’s hopes have been shattered

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Brendan Rodgers has shelved his plans to raid Celtic for Odsonne Edouard after Leicester City signed Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka, according to the Daily Record.

The Zambia centre-forward has moved to the King Power Stadium for £23m and signed a five-year contract with the club. He offers Rodgers depth in the position with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho after the Foxes narrowly missed out on a Champions League berth.

Rodgers had considered signing Edouard to strengthen his Leicester offence for two years after working with him at Celtic. But the Foxes boss felt Daka offered him a ready-made replacement for Vardy due to his pace and powerful runs.

Rodgers has now shelved his plans for Edouard as Leicester can no longer afford the Celtic star, as well. He remains a huge admirer of the Frenchman’s ability, but does not feel the Foxes have enough left in their budget to tempt the Hoops to cash in.

Celtic would lose 50 per cent of what they make through selling Edouard due to a sell-on clause in the deal that took him to Parkhead from Paris Saint-Germain. Now, with Leicester off the table, his hopes of reuniting with Rodgers in the Premier League are shattered.

Edouard’s hopes of leaving Celtic this summer are now likely to hinge on any interest from Europe. AC Milan are still monitoring the £19,000-per-week forward’s situation, with just a year remaining on his contract in Glasgow.

Rodgers deals Edouard and Celtic a Leicester blow

Rodgers has dealt both Edouard and Celtic a blow by taking a route to Leicester off the table. The Frenchman wanted to reunite with his former boss at the King Power Stadium but will not get the chance. At least this summer, without the Hoops accepting a low offer.

Celtic would have hoped Rodgers pursued a deal for Edouard to join Leicester, as well, if he must leave Parkhead. Their former employee could have offered the Glasgow outfit their most promising option for a big pay day this summer.

But, instead, Rodgers felt Daka represented the better option for Leicester than taking his Celtic weapon, Edouard, to England. A decision that could prove gutting at Parkhead if no offers arrive and he refuses to sign a new contract.