CELTIC are ramping up their moves in the transfer market, but it looks they have dropped interest in Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden.
The champions are awaiting to unveil Honduran winger Luis Palma as their seventh signing of the summer while they are being linked with Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernado.
In the meantime, a report has emerged on Sky Sports that Championship sides Southampton and Leeds United are both a contemplating a beat-the-deadline move for Hoops midfielder Matt O’Riley.
CELTIC TARGET…Benfica midfielder Paulo Bernado has been linked with the Hoops.
Danish frontman Kvistgaarden was on the Hoops radar, but the champions cooled their interest when they were told the value of the 21-year-old forward had soared to £6million, as CQN reported last week.
There were conflicting reports last night following alleged talks among all parties for the hitman who scored 10 goals in 37 games last season.
However, the outcome would appear to indicate that no business will be done for the Under-21 international.
The £3.5million deal for 23-year-old Palma from Greek outfit Aris Thessaloniki should be sealed tomorrow and the Parkhead club are also keen 21-year-old Portuguese starlet Bernardo who was a brief team-mate of Filipe Jota before the winger left for Glasgow in August 2021.
Despite a report in local media outlet Record, the Lisbon side’s attacking midfielder is not a priority for Brendan Rodgers who needs recruits who are first-team ready before the window closes at the end of the week.
One thing is certain, the Hoops gaffer will not welcome any moves for former Danish Under-21 playmaker O’Riley who is crucial to his plans, especially with Reo Hatate sidelined with injury.
WANTED MAN…Matt O’Riley is a player in demand.
Last week, Serie A outfit Bologna had a bid booted out for the stylish performer who cost a bargain £1.5million when he joined from English third-tier club MK Dons in January 2022.
New Elland Road boss Daniel Farke, with money to spend as the Yorkshire club aim to bounce back after last term’s relegation, is hoping to bolster his team’s midfield and is an admirer of O’Riley.
Southampton head coach Russell Martin previously worked with the Celt at MK Dons and is also eyeing a late swoop for the 22-year-old ace.
The transfer merry-go-round will get another spin tomorrow as Rodgers continues his quest to bring in quality additions to his player pool.
