EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool ready to offer Origi + cash for 20-goal French forward

Sources close to Anfield Central report that Liverpool’s interest in Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard could see Divock Origi could the opposite way in a summer deal.

Despite Origi’s reluctance to leave the club both last summer and during the winter transfer window, Liverpool are hoping they can get him to agree on a permanent move to Celtic Park.

Jurgen Klopp recognises Divock Origi’s contribution to Liverpool Football Club and even called him a club legend during an interview.

Despite his knack for scoring important goals, it’s time for him to leave the club and Edouard has been identified as a player that can add quality to Liverpool’s attacking options.

The French forward has scored 20 goals in 26 games for Celtic this season. It’s unclear how that would translate to the more competitive Premier League but Edouard’s link-up play and dribbling are two traits that has seen him identified as a target for the Reds.

His move to Anfield seemingly relies on Origi’s willingness to move to Scotland. With three years left on his contract with the Merseysiders, Liverpool understand they will struggle to get the fee they want.

Michael Edwards has been briefed to demand a minimum of £12million but using him as a makeweight in a deal to sign Odsonne Edouard is agreeable for all parties.

Aside from Origi.

As things stand, Liverpool expect the Belgian to reject the offer to join Celtic which would scupper the deal for Edouard.

The club could pay the £15m that Celtic want for their forward but as it always has been under FSG, the Reds must sell in order to buy.