Transfer window closes at midnight on August 31 in France & Scotland
Wednesday 29 August 2018 15:58, UK
Lyon president Jean-Michael Aulas says the club have made contact with Celtic striker Moussa Dembele regarding a transfer and that he is interested in a move to France.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Wednesday that Dembele's representatives are in Glasgow holding talks following "big interest" from another club, understood by Sky sources to be Lyon.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, Aulas confirmed the talks, saying: "We are interested in Dembele, we have contacted him, he is interested, it is one of the tracks but we have others."
Rodgers says Celtic are yet to receive an official bid for the France U21 international and has expressed his desire to keep Dembele at Parkhead.
Any deal would have to be completed by midnight on Friday when the transfer window slams shut in Scotland and France.
Despite the fact Dembele was absent for Wednesday's training session, Rodgers is still hopeful he will be available for Thursday's Europa League qualifying play-off against Suduva.
"Moussa and his representatives were speaking to the club today," said Rodgers.
"There hasn't been an official bid as far as I am aware - but interest. As far as I am aware, it is one club.
"It is safe to say there is a big interest from another club and Moussa and his representatives are speaking about it. Moussa is not a player we want to lose.
"You always have to be prepared for that. That's natural. It's not an ideal situation, with a few days to go.
"It's one where we hope to ensure by the end of the window we are strong. We are looking for players to come in and freshen up the squad and also fit in to what we are doing.
"A lot of work going on behind the scenes to try and improve the squad."
