McLeish suggests ‘talks’ underway as West Ham in driving seat to sign Edouard | OneFootball

Celtic star Odsonne Edouard could snub a move to West Ham or another Premier League club if he is not promised a starting role, according to Alex McLeish.

The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 23-year-old will be keen to nail down his place in the pecking order before signing.

As revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday, West Ham have climbed into pole position for Edouard after laying the groundwork of a potential deal.

They face competition from Arsenal and Leicester City for the French forward.

However, the Irons are hoping to get the jump on their Premier League rivals.

McLeish claimed Edouard could turn down suitors if they do not offer a regular starting role.

“I do believe that he will be looking for first-team football,” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

“That will probably be part of the talks, if he has talks with any club, and decides to leave Celtic. You know that he’s going to be a fixture at Celtic if he stays.

“Listen, if somebody is willing to pay big money for him then they’re not going to be sitting him on the bench. He’ll be playing and then it’s up to him to take the next step.

“There will be a tricky negotiating path, whatever happens, whether he stays or goes. The smart money would be on him leaving Celtic, I would have thought.

“Through the experiences I’ve had before with guys, new kids on the block, they want to go to the highest step they can.”

Edouard’s contract is set to expire next summer and it is understood he has told Celtic he wants to leave.

In other news, Celtic tipped to sign the ‘next Dembele’ after dressing room reveal.