Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move for Lyon star Moussa Dembele - which could see Celtic land a bumper January windfall.
The former Parkhead frontman was touted as a target for several English Premier League sides in the summer with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Southampton, Fulham and Everton have all credited with an interest before the window slammed shut. Reports in France had suggested Dembele was determined to remain with Lyon and fight for his spot in the starting line-up with Alexandre Lacazette, despite entering the final year of his deal.
That put Celtic 's hopes of landing a bumper payday in serious jeopardy with the Scottish champions holding a 15 per cent sell-on clause in the player's contract following his £20million departure for Lyon back in 2018. However, the 26-year-old may be forced to reevaluate his options having been used sparingly by boss Peter Bosz so far this season with former Arsenal man Lacazette the first choice frontman so far this term.
He has made just two starts and netted just twice this season, but reports in France now suggest former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard could be set to offer the Frenchman a career lifeline. JeunesFooteux report that Villa are weighing up a January offer for the striker as Gerrard searches for firepower.
The Villans have one of the lowest goal returns in the Premier League, and the club reportedly believe they can secure a cut-price deal for the frontman given his contract status. They also believe he can have an instant impact in England given his previous experience with Celtic and Fulham.
The stumbling block could one again prove to be Dembele's determination to see out his contract at the Groupama Stadium, but Lyon "would not be against recovering a few million euros during the next transfer window, rather than letting him go for nothing in July." That could be good news for Ange Postecoglou's January transfer budget with the club in line to receive a cut of the fee.
Dembele missed facing off against Gerrard during his time as Rangers boss, leaving Celtic Park in 2018. But he was an derby specialist during his time at Celtic seven goals against their city rivals during his two seasons at Parkhead.
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