NEIL LENNON says he is in the dark over any potential new contract for star striker Odsonne Edouard, but he has told the forward he should stay and continue his development at Celtic Park.

Reports yesterday indicated that the club had opened talks with the Frenchman’s representatives around an extended deal, with Lennon responding by saying he would give him a new five-year contract if he could.

And when asked if Edouard could fulfil his potential by staying with the club for an extended period, Lennon said: “Yeah, why not? But I don’t know what’s out there for him.

“I’m sure there’s plenty of suitors so it won’t be down to my decision. I’ll do all I can to keep him. We’ll wait and see.

“He’s not the type to be banging down your door. He seems quite happy. He’s laid back. He’s got 27 goals already this season and I think he can get to 30 comfortably and that would be a wonderful season for him. But it’s not just his goals. His all-round game has been absolutely superb.

“You are asking the wrong man. I’d love to [give him new deal] – I’d give him a five-year deal tomorrow if I could, but I don’t know anything about that.

“I would know [if there were talks]. If there’s something in the offing, then that would be great, but I haven’t touched on it with Peter (Lawwell) yet. But if it’s true then brilliant.”

Lennon believes that as impressive as Edouard’s form has been this season for both club and country, there is still a lot more to come from the 22-year-old.

“He’s improving all the time,” he said. “He’s a talismanic player for us – he’s been absolutely magnificent this season.

“But I think there’s more to come from him. I hope he’s doing that here with us.

“I think there’s improvement in him – he can get better. But he’s already a highly talented player.”