MATT O’RILEY admits Celtic are the sole focus of his attention, despite transfer speculation ahead of Thursday’s midnight deadline.
The stylish 21-year-old midfielder, bought by Ange Postecoglou for a cut-price £1.5million from third-tier MK Dons in January, has been linked with several big-hitters in recent days.
There have been reports Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are pondering a move in the region of £20million for the Danish Under-21 international playmaker while Bundelsiga outfit Borussia Dortmund are monitoring his position.
JOY BHOY…Matt O’Riley celebrates with Moritz Jenz after the on-loan defender’s goal in the 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. Filipe Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi and Cameron Carter-Vickers join in.
O’Riley, though, is maintaining concentration on performing well for the champions and is eager to make his debut in the Champions League with Postecoglou’s men drawn against holders Real Madrid, German club RB Leipzig and Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.
Asked about transfer interest, he told Danish sports outlet Bold: “Yes, there are some clubs who have inquired about me. I can’t say which clubs, though.
“But, while it’s great to know there’s a lot of interest in me, I’ve only got one thing on my mind and that’s to do well for Celtic.
“I have no plans to leave Celtic, so if nothing happens, nothing happens, and that’s fine.
STYLISH CELT…Matt O’Riley displays his class in the 3-1 win over Ross County in Dingwall.
“I’m really happy to be at the club where we’re also going to play the Champions League, which I’m really looking forward to.
“It’s huge. I am aware and have heard about the interest from some of the big clubs, but I must admit that it is not something that I think about so much.”
O’Riley is likely to be in his usual midfield berth when the champions go in pursuit of three more Premiership points when they take on Jack Ross’ struggling Dundee United at midday.
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