The French forward has been linked with a return to his homeland and the Hoops boss admits there is 'big interest' in him

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Moussa Dembele missed training on Wednesday to hold talks over his Celtic future.

The France forward has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland before the European transfer window shuts on Friday, with Lyon and Marseille said to be targeting the 22-year-old.

2 Dembele is being tipped to make a move back to France

talkSPORT reported yesterday that Dembele is “seduced” by the idea of a move.

Rodgers has now confirmed there is “big interest” in the young forward and, despite hoping he stays put, admits he cannot rule out an exit in the coming days.

He said: “There’s a lot going on with Moussa at the moment. Moussa and his representatives were at the club today speaking with the club.

“There is speculation around him. Moussa is not a player we want to lose. It is ongoing discussions.

“There hasn’t been an official bid as far as I am aware but interest.”

2 Brendan Rodgers’s side face Suduva in a vital Europa League play-off clash

Dembele played the full 90 minutes of Celtic’s 1-1 draw at Suduva in the Europa League play-offs last week, and he was expected to feature in the second leg on Thursday evening.

However, he missed Wednesday’s training session at Lennoxtown to prepare for the clash, instead heading to Celtic Park with his representatives to discuss his future.

“He is available for the game but I will speak to him later on,” added Rodgers.

Dembele has scored 51 goals for Celtic since moving to Parkhead in the summer of 2016, and he has two years left on his existing deal.

Lyon are reportedly the favourites to secure his signature, with the Ligue 1 giants looking to replace Real Madrid-bound Mariano Diaz.