Crystal Palace have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

What's the story?

The Eagles have been linked with a move for the highly-rated 23-year-old throughout the summer, but fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion were believed to be in pole position for his signature in recent weeks.

However, according to The Scottish Sun, the Seagulls and fellow Premier League side Southampton have baulked at Edouard’s £85,000-per-week wage demands, leaving Palace as the only interested party.

Patrick Vieira would love him

Since arriving at Celtic Park back in August 2017, the £15.3m-rated gem has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, bagging 85 goals and providing 39 assists in 175 appearances for the Hoops.

The former France under-21 international’s standout displays have earned several plaudits, with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon labelling him “magnificent” after a match-winning performance.

His arrival at Selhurst Park would be seen as a significant coup for the south London outfit, and new manager Patrick Vieira would surely love to be able to call upon the services of a proven goalscorer.

It's a luxury the French tactician arguably doesn't have at this moment in time, with Michy Batshuayi's departure leaving Christian Benteke and Jean Philippe-Mateta as the only out-and-out strikers in the first team squad.

Palace's opening day fixture against European champions Chelsea highlighted their need for attacking reinforcements before the current window closes after they only managed to produce one shot on target all afternoon.

The exceptional powers of talisman Wilfried Zaha can only carry the capital club so far, and the addition of Edouard could provide the catalyst they need to propel themselves to a 10th consecutive season in the top flight.

Chairman Steve Parish has already secured the signatures of several exciting young acquisitions this summer in the shape of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher, but Edouard would perhaps be the most sensational of them all.

With Palace now having a clear run at the Frenchman, Parish must complete a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, providing Vieira with the quality and strength in depth that he needs to succeed at Selhurst Park.

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