Sources: Celtic trigger seven-figure O’Riley release clause
Celtic are close to signing MK Dons midfielder Matt O’Riley after triggering his release clause, Football Insider understands.
The Scottish giants are set to beat Swansea City and Blackburn Rovers to the capture of the 21-year-old following a breakthrough.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Celtic have met the £1.5million release clause active in O’Riley’s Dons contract.
He is now able to discuss personal terms with the Scottish giants and complete a move in this month’s window.
O’Riley has 30 appearances for MK Dons this season, scoring seven goals and chipping in with seven assists.
He has become a key player at Stadium MK since joining the club from Fulham in January 2021.
On Tuesday (18 January) a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Swansea and Blackburn had already registered their interest in sealing a deal for O’Riley.
It now appears Celtic have beaten both sides to O’Riley as Ange Postecoglou continues to overhaul his squad.
Celtic have already been busy in the transfer window.
On 31 December, Celtic announced the captures of Daizen Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinos, Yosuke Ideguchi from Gamba Osaka and Reo Hatate from Kawasaki Frontale.
Conor Hazard, Liam Shaw and Ewan Henderson have also all left the club on loan.
O’Riley will leave MK Dons after making 54 appearances for the club.
Celtic find themselves firmly in a title race after gaining two points on league leaders Rangers following their draw against Aberdeen on Tuesday (18 January).
In other news, One pundit claims Celtic are now in control as Rangers ‘can’t deal’ with title ‘pressure’.