Ex-Celtic star Charlie Nicholas has called on his former club to cut their losses on Odsonne Edouard and offload the Frenchman before the transfer window closes.

The striker has less than a year remaining on his contract at Parkhead and will be able to move on a free transfer unless the Hoops can sell him in the next couple of weeks.

Up until now, it is believed that Celtic have been holding out for a fee in the region of £20m for Edouard but Nicholas says the Scottish club’s board should lower their asking price:

“Celtic can’t afford to let Odsonne Edouard run down his contract until next summer. He’s worth far too much money and Parkhead chiefs need to cut a deal. They have to speak to interested clubs to see if a transfer can be thrashed out. Edouard is in a strong bargaining position and he knows he can sit tight and leave on a free. Even if the Frenchman is sold before that, he could easily ask for a cut of the deal.”

“It is a tough one for Celtic. Edouard clearly isn’t firing on all cylinders, although he did score against Hearts at the weekend. Celtic need to take control of the situation. Dom McKay and Dermot Desmond must show some leadership on this one because Edouard is a big asset. It might mean dropping their asking price to £15million but they have to get something out of it.”

Reports suggest that it isn’t necessarily just the price tag that is putting off potential suitors. Edouard’s wage demands are thought to have already scared off some English Premier League sides, including Brighton and Southampton.

Other teams, such as Nice, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Arsenal have also been mentioned as possible destinations, but there is a growing risk that the Frenchman won’t be leaving Celtic Park this summer.