Report: Southampton eye £20m Odsonne Edouard bid

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A report from The Sun (7/8; page 73) has claimed that Southampton are set to launch a £20 million bid for Odsonne Edouard.

Like many, Saints fans were left stunned this week with the news that Danny Ings had left to join Aston Villa.

Of course, Ings’s departure always seemed possible. But there seemed to be little indication that he was Villa Park-bound before the announcement was made.

Supporters will be hoping to see a replacement signed. The Athletic recently suggested that the likes of Adam Armstrong, Tammy Abraham and Alexander Sorloth are targets.

They have been linked with Edouard already this summer. But it now appears that they may be about to step up their interest.

According to The Sun (7/8; page 73), the Saints are planning to rival Brighton for the Celtic star. And it is claimed that they plan to make a £20 million bid.

Interestingly, it is noted that Edouard must reduce his wage demands if the Saints are going to be able to sign him.

Southampton may be taking gamble if they bid £20 million for Edouard

Edouard boasts an outstanding record from his time at Celtic. He has 85 goals in 172 games in all competitions since initially arriving on loan.

With that in mind, a deal for the 23-year-old could be inspired.

However, Edouard’s deal at Parkhead expires next summer. So a bid of £20 million would represent a considerable outlay.

Of course, Ings left for more with his deal up next year. But Ings has proved himself in the Premier League. And he is at his peak.

The biggest risk Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men could take is to let the window close without getting a new striker in.

But spending £20 million on Edouard – who was left out of the starting lineup for Celtic’s Europa League qualifier in midweek – could still be considered a gamble.