Moussa Dembele: Celtic boost as French striker says no to swap deal

Celtic have been handed a boost ahead of transfer deadline day in their bid to keep hold of striker Moussa Dembele.

FranceFootball reported yesterday that Marseille were proposing a part-exchange deal for Dembele with striker Valere Germain heading to Scotland.

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Marseille forward Valere Germain, seen celebrating a goal in a Ligue 1 clash with Toulouse, isn't keen on swapping France for Glasgow. Picture: Getty Images

But according to Le10Sport, the 28-year-old has no intention of leaving his hometown side, who yesterday completed a move for Dutch midfielder Kevin Strootman and are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.

Germain hit 18 goals last season, including seven in 14 European matches, and his form has also alerted Bordeaux, who have been linked with Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos.

OM boss Rudi Garcia has already missed out on Nice striker Mario Balotelli, but Les Olympiens have been forced into a rethink after Germain’s decision.

Marseille had hoped that a part-exchange deal for Dembele might have lowered the 22-year-old’s price but the Ligue 1 side will have to offer another player to Celtic if they are still keen on a part-exchange deal for Dembele.

Lyon are also understood to be interested in Dembele but Celtic are reluctant to see the France Under-21 star leave Glasgow.

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The former PSG and Fulham youngster has struck 51 times in 94 games for the Hoops since signing in the summer of 2016.