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Moussa Dembele (of Celtic, not Spurs) has become the latest striker on West Ham United’s list of potential summer forward buys.
The electric French youth international is being courted by the Hammers, along with Chelsea and Marseille, as he awaits his 21st birthday tomorrow.
But Dembele’s current boss, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, has been adamant about his coveted forward staying with the club until the end of August. Last week, Rodgers expressed how Dembele wouldn’t be sold until Celtic were finished with their Champions League qualifiers matches.
Brendan Rodgers on selling Moussa Dembélé: "Not until after the Champions League qualifiers, there won’t be anything done before then." pic.twitter.com/1TGtlzdBHL
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) July 3, 2017
With Celtic beginning their Champions League qualifiers with a 2nd Round, first leg tie against Northern Irish club Linfield, the Scottish giants could have their UCL qualifiers campaign go all the way to the tension filled playoff round, which second legs conclude on August 22 and 23.
Just like with Kelechi Iheanacho, Moussa Dembele of France (again, not to be confused with Spurs current Belgian midfielder Moussa Dembele, as they share the same name) would be the ideal signing for Slaven Bilic.
Although he isn’t the best young Dembele from France currently, an honor bestowed to the even more dynamic Ousmane Dembele of Borussia Dortmund, the former Fulham prodigy has the potential to be one of the world’s best strikers. He certainly can play a part in a golden talent age for his nation of France at the senior level, which is saying quite a lot considering the talent that nation continues to develop. And even with him going to Celtic and playing inferior competition in the Scottish Premiership, Dembele showcased in the Champions League group stage last season vs Manchester City, Barcelona and Borussia Monchenglabach his standout talents.
Still, this could be another transfer saga for the Hammers instead of an easy, quick signing. With Rodgers unyielding on selling Dembele until Celtic secure advancement to the group stage of the Champions League this season, Bilic, the Davids and the rest of the board would be wise to keep looking elsewhere to fill their young forward need.