WANTED MAN O’RILEY: CELTIC IN NO RUSH TO SELL

CELTIC are poised to boot out a move from Atletico Madrid for Matt O’Riley.

The champions have been informed of the interest from the Spanish outfit for their in-form midfielder, according to Sky Sports.

It is understood the initial offer is a loan plus an obligation to buy the 23-year-old playmaker who cost the Hoops a bargain £1.5million when he arrived from English third-tier club MK Dons two years ago.

LET US PREY…Matt O’Riley celebrates his goal in the 3-0 win over St Mirren this month.

The La Liga aces are likely to receive the same answer as Inter Milan who made a similar offer that was kicked into touch, as CQN reported last month.

High-flying Girona have also been linked with the stylish middle-of-the-park performer who has notched 10 goals this season.

O’Riley signed a new four-year contract in September last year and it is clear the Hoops hierarchy are in no rush to sell one of their hottest properties halfway through a crucial campaign.

Last month, Brendan Rodgers admitted he had “no fears” about the Danish international’s situation last month when he stated: “I’m delighted for Matt, he’s made a fantastic step forward this season as a Celtic player and in his career.

GOAL-DEN BHOY…Matt O’Riley after netting against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

“He will always attract the interest of teams. But I don’t have any fear, he’s a good guy who works very, very hard. When you do that, you’re always going to have interest.”

No fee has been mentioned for the fans’ favourite, but bidding would be expected to begin at £25million, the identical cash the club received for Keiran Tierney and Filipe Jota.

However, it looks increasingly as though any club interested in O’Riley will have to wait until the summer, at least.

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