Former Celtic striker Andy Walker thinks his old club might sell Odsonne Edouard before the transfer window shuts next month.
Clubs are already feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the prospect of an extended absence of fans from stadiums could force teams into player sales.
Edouard is being heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, with head coach Dean Smith expected to look for at least another striker before the market ceases having seen Mbwana Samatta depart for Turkish side Fenerbahce today.
Celtic's talisman Edouard is also reportedly attracting interest from Villa's Premier League rivals Arsenal, Leicester City and Everton.
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Edouard, who is reportedly valued at £40 million, hit 27 goals last season as Neil Lennon's side won a ninth-straight Scottish Premiership title and Celtic fans are desperate for the French Under-21 international to spearhead their club's quest for a tenth.
Walker, though, thinks the Covid-19 pandemic could force Celtic's hand.
He told Sky Sports: "Celtic's Odsonne Edouard is clearly destined to eventually play in a bigger league.
"He was voted by the Scottish football writers as their player of the year last season and it was an easy call to make.
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"He is an outstanding talent, capable of playing for a top-six club in the Premier League and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Celtic took money for him now given how much cash they are burning every month with very little coming in."
Villa currently have Ollie Watkins, a club-record £28m signing from Brentford earlier this month, Keinan Davis - handed a new three-year deal recently - and the injured Wesley Moraes as the club's options up front.
Edouard joined Celtic initially on loan in 2017 and has scored 65 goals and registered 32 assists in 133 appearances at Parkhead.
