The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Aston Villa expressed an interest in Celtic star Odsonne Edouard during the summer transfer window.

What's the word?

Dean Smith's side enjoyed an impressive time in the transfer market over the summer, bringing in a number of high-profile players who have helped the club record a perfect start to the new Premier League season.

Now, Ornstein has revealed that Celtic striker Edouard was the subject of numerous enquiries from clubs in England and abroad, but they were informed that the Bhoys were reluctant to sell.

Ornstein adds that Villa were one of the teams who expressed an interest in signing the Frenchman, and that with him being in the final two years of his contract, next summer will be Celtic's last chance to get a big fee for him unless they can agree a new contract.

Must be Johan Lange's priority

Despite some reports claiming that Villa were ready to test the water with a £30m move for Edouard, a deal failed to materialise. However, the striker surely has to be Sporting Director Johan Lange's priority in the upcoming transfer windows.

The Frenchman has been in blistering form for more than a year now, with last season seeing him bag 21 goals and provide a further 12 assists in just 27 Scottish Premiership games. His start to the new campaign has been equally prolific, netting six times in only ten matches across all competitions.

Whilst Villa seem to be on to a real winner with Ollie Watkins - his perfect hat-trick against Liverpool has already etched his name into folklore at Villa Park - they could get themselves a top goal-scoring partner for the Englishman in Edouard.

Described as a "special talent" by Celtic boss Neil Lennon, he could add yet more cutting edge to Villa's attack, and whether he partners Watkins or plays as a lone striker, could be a real difference-maker for the club.