The boss believes that the France Under-21 international still has lots of room for advancement and is eager for him to stay at Parkhead.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is desperate to fend off interest from Premier League clubs in prolific striker Odsonne Edouard.

The French forwards’ exploits in a Celtic shirt this year have allegedly caught the attention of Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham, but Lennon is trusting the 22-year-old remains in Scotland for a couple more seasons.

There have been reports that Celtic have opened talks over a new deal for Edouard, and Lennon believes there’s still more for him to reach Parkhead.

Lennon said: “I would like to keep him. I would give him a last-minute bargain tomorrow if I could, but I really don’t know anything about that and I’d know [if there were discussions ].

“But, if it is correct, then brilliant.

“He is improving all of the time. He is a talismanic player for us and he has been absolutely magnificent this season but I believe there is more to come out of him and I hope he is doing this with us.

“I definitely think there is an improvement in him. He can get better but he is already an extremely talented player.

“I think he would be better off here. I am sure there are loads of suitors so that it will not be down to my own decision but I will do everything I can to keep him. He is not the kind to be banging down your door. He seems quite satisfied.”

Edouard has found the back of the net an impressive 27 times for Celtic this season and is now the Scottish Premiership’s top goalscorer.

He’s also been in scintillating form at a global level, scoring 11 goals in six appearances for the France Under-21 side.

Lennon added: “Odsonne’s laid back. He has 27 goals already this year and I think he could get to 30 comfortably which would be a wonderful season for him but it is not just his goals, his all-round game was absolutely superb.”

Edouard originally joined Celtic on loan from Paris Saint-Germain for the 2017-18 season and the decision to sign him permanently for a club-record fee after 11 goals in 29 appearances met with mixed reviews.

However, the reported #9 million fees that Celtic compensated PSG in 2018 could end up being an astute bit of business given how Edouard has improved.