Newcastle have given up on their attempts to sign striker Odsonne Edouard from Celtic this summer, a report from the Daily Mail has claimed.
The Magpies are in the market for a new striker this summer after a disappointing campaign in front of goal last season, and Edouard would have fit the bill perfectly.
Since joining Celtic from PSG in 2017, Edouard has scored 66 goals in 129 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish champions, something which had apparently seen Newcastle willing to spend big to sign the Frenchman, although it now appears that will not be happening.
According to the latest reports, Celtic have made it clear that Edouard will not be leaving Glasgow this summer, something that Newcastle have now accepted, with the Magpies now set to look elsewhere as they search for a new attacking outlet.
As things stand, there are two years remaining on Edouard’s contract with Celtic, meaning the club would not have to accept any offer that came in for the forward if they did not want to.
Along with Newcastle, fellow Premier League sides Leicester and Crystal Palace were also said to have been interested in a move for Edouard this summer.
This will of course be a significant setback for Newcastle in their preparations for the new season.
A lack of goals up front was a major problem for Steve Bruce and co. last season, and it is a problem that will have to be solved if they are to have any hope of pushing on in the top-flight in the coming campaign and beyond.
Edouard’s record for Celtic certainly suggests that he could have been one to help do that, although it now seems as though that is off the table, but the fact that that is clear early in the window is at least something of the positive, given the amount of time it gives the Magpies to find and buy an alternative target.