Celtic Exclusive: Big update today on O'Riley U-turn

Celtic will find it ‘very hard to reject’ an offer of £25million for star midfielder Matt O’Riley, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Celtic are coming to terms with the fact they will likely lose O’Riley this transfer window.

The 23-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Brighton and Chelsea but the west London club don’t see the midfielder as a priority.

Football Insider revealed (August 5) that a new attacking midfielder is not high on the list of transfer targets at Stamford Bridge.

Sources say that the player would be keen on a move to the Premier League as he seeks to challenge himself at the highest level.

More bids for the Denmark international are expected before the end of the transfer window and the Premier League season looms.

Celtic had initially wanted a £30m fee for O’Riley but sources say they are now likely to accept a price £5m below that figure.

Celtic fighting losing battle to keep Matt O’Riley

O’Riley has established himself as a key player at Celtic since joining from League One MK Dons back in 2021. Last season the midfielder managed to score 19 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Born in Hounslow, West London, O’Riley has since made his international debut with Denmark despite representing England at the youth level.

Celtic are well-stocked in central midfield, especially since the permanent signing of Portuguese Paulo Bernardo from Benfica.

Still, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Scotland international Alan Hutton believes the club will have to enter the market to find a replacement should O’Riley leave the club.

In other news, Rangers’ transfer plans hinge on qualification for the league phase of the Champions League.

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The post Celtic Exclusive: Big update today on O'Riley U-turn appeared first on Football Insider.