Aston Villa are weighing up whether to move for Moussa Dembele this transfer window, a revision that will have an impact on Celtic. Unai Emery’s side are contemplating replacing Danny Ings with the Frenchman but are tempted to sign him on a pre-contract, a decision which would leave Celtic without any add-ons.
According to the Daily Record, Lyon are keen to offload the player this window and get something back for the striker as it appears clear that he will not sign a new deal. Everton had been reported as being keen on the player but since they sacked Frank Lampard, it is understandable that players may resist a jaunt to Goodison Park until the situation is more stable.
Celtic could still net 10% of the fee with rumours still rife about the small print of the sell-on deal. If a deal is struck this month, Celtic could stand to gain from the transfer. However, what is certain is that if Dembele moves as a free agent, Celtic gain nothing.
Dembele scored 51 goals in 94 appearances across the two seasons, winning six trophies during his trophy-laden spell in Glasgow.
The 26-year-old was excellent for the club before leaving in a £20m deal for Lyon after falling out with Brendan Rodgers. It would have been expected for Dembele to really kick on and go to the top level instead of remaining in France but the deal to take him to Atletico Madrid on a permanent basis appeared to fall through leaving him to run down his deal with Lyon.
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