Celtic expect Matt O’Riley to leave after West Ham news – sources
Celtic are fighting a losing battle to keep hold of Matt O’Riley this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hoops now expect the midfielder to depart Celtic Park although the club are holding out for a transfer fee of £25-30million.
The Denmark international might have missed out on a European Championship call-up this summer, but he has caught the eye of numerous Premier League clubs.
Sources with knowledge of O’Riley’s situation have said that Chelsea and Brighton are keen on the 23-year-old, but they will face competition in trying to sign him.
Football Insider previously reported that Celtic will accept a bid for O’Riley despite him being arguably the team’s best player under Brendan Rodgers.
Celtic will lose an important midfielder
O’Riley scored 19 goals and created 18 assists in 49 appearances last season, becoming a crucial part of Celtic’s success.
Traditionally a box-to-box player in central midfield, O’Riley can also play further up the field or in a more defensive role.
The Danish midfielder has no experience playing in the Premier League, but he did play in England previously for MK Dons and Fulham.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer window, signing various young players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City.
O’Riley fits the profile of players the Blues are signing, but there’s no guarantee he will end up at Stamford Bridge due to the competition to sign him.
In other news, big Conor Gallagher update as Tottenham continue search for a central midfielder.
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