Celtic’s £4m windfall as Lyon eye £60m Dembele summer sale to Chelsea or Man Utd

LYON are plotting a summer sale of former Celtic Star Moussa Dembele to the English Premier League as the French side eye up a £60million transfer.

And that would mean a cash windfall for Celtic of at least £4million following from the terms of the French striker’s rushed departure from Celtic at the end of the 2018 summer transfer window after his relationship with former manager Brendan Rodgers broke down quickly and dramatically.

Lyon benefited from that controversy – some cynics might suggest that they helped create it – and ended up signing the striker who has already scored 19 goals for them this season, for just £19.4million.

Moussa Dembele’s controversial departure did not have any last impact on his excellent relationship with the Celtic Support and he was back to celebrate 8 In a Row and on the pitch at Trophy Day with his friends and former team-mates – there was no sign of Brendan Rodgers that day.

Chelsea are among the front runners to sign Dembele for Lyon with the West London club reported to have had a cheeky £33.6million bid for the former Celtic man turned down by Lyon in the January transfer window.

Lyon were determined not to sell their star striker in that winter window but are now making it known that they are prepared to do business in the summer – of the price is right.

Respected French newspaper L’Equipe have claimed that Lyon will put Dembele up for sale in the summer, knowing that the there are a number of clubs keen to secure his signature. And they claim that Rudi Garcia’s side have already drawn up a list of potential replacements for the former Celtic goalscorer (and we can all guess who will be on that particular list and we’re not talking about Morelos, who of course was linked to Liverpool last week, no laughing at the back).

The Stamford Bridge side are likely to face stiff competition from Manchester Utd for Demebele’s signature and that should do the trick as far as Lyon are concerned, by forcing up the transfer fee.

A £4million windfall for Celtic will be a nice addition to the summer transfer budget as Neil Lennon will perhaps be looking to fund moves for the two Southampton loanees and look at strengthening the squad for the big one – Ten in a Row.

Tonight though it is top versus bottom in the Premiership when Hearts are the visitors to Celtic Park and three points are absolutely essential as we motor ahead towards Nine in a Row.

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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