Celtic tipped to accept record-breaking Matt O'Riley offer - pundit

Celtic could sell Matt O’Riley for a record-breaking fee before committing to buying Paulo Bernardo but their valuation of the Dane may make it difficult, according to Alan Hutton.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Hutton says making Bernardo’s loan from Benfica a permanent switch is a “deal worth looking into” despite the potential costs involved, and that the sale of O’Riley will help fund it.

The Portugal youth international featured 33 times for the Bhoys in all competitions last season, whilst O’Riley could command Celtic a sale of over £30m following his glittering campaign.

The Danish midfielder has attracted the attention of Premier League clubs in recent months, as well as most recently Spanish giants Atletico Madrid [Daily Record, 18 June].

O’Riley sale could launch Bernardo deal for Celtic

Former Rangers and Scotland man Hutton believes the sale of O’Riley to then purchase Bernardo, 22, could be one to look at for Celtic as they look to maintain dominance north of the border.

“Matt O’Riley – is he going to be moving on?” he posed.

“He’s a guy who has won trophies at a young age, which will have sell-on value. I think he excels with top players around him in the future, and it’s a deal worth looking into.

“Bernardo’s price – the last I saw valued him at around £7.5m. He’s 22, on a long contract at Benfica but technically very gifted.

“Kieran Tierney is their biggest sale so far at £25m, so Celtic may have to wait for the offer they want for O’Riley.

“Then they can maybe strike a deal for Bernardo.

“The last whispers I heard, they were looking for a deal where they could get the fee down but pay him the wages he wants, or it may have to tilt the other way and they find some common ground.”

In other news, the latest on Mikey Johnston’s potential permanent transfer to West Brom.

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The post Celtic tipped to accept record-breaking Matt O'Riley offer - pundit appeared first on Football Insider.