Atalanta remain in talks with the Premiership champions after a second bid of £14.3m for Matt O'Riley was rejected; the 23-year-old is attracting interest from clubs across Europe including Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Roma; he is under contract at Celtic until 2027
Tuesday 23 July 2024 07:51, UK
Celtic have rejected a second bid from Atalanta for in-demand midfielder Matt O'Riley.
It is understood the improved offer consisted of a £14.3m initial fee, plus add-ons.
Talks between the two clubs remain ongoing, but there is still a gap in valuation.
Atalanta's Serie A rivals Juventus and Roma, plus the likes of Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest in the Denmark international.
O'Riley scored 19 goals with 18 assists in 49 appearances for Brendan Rodgers' side last season, and captained Celtic in their 4-0 pre-season win over DC United in Washington on Sunday.
The 23-year-old is under contract at Celtic until 2027, with the club knocking back an offer of £20m from Atletico Madrid in January.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Celtic's friendly against Man City in North Carolina on Wednesday, manager Brendan Rodgers suggested the club were realistic about the speculation surrounding O'Riley's future, but there had been no movement on any potential transfer.
"There's no update. We're fairly relaxed," Rodgers said. "He's working very well, he's very focused and, naturally, when you're a really good player and especially a young player who's as committed and professional as he is, he's going to acquire attention.
"He's working so well and there's nothing really to report.
"The people close to Celtic understand the model that works. Matt's been at the club for three years and developed into the player that he has.
"He knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic and, naturally, how it works is the players get that opportunity to move on. Celtic is a club where you can move on - but you don't have to. It's a very difficult club to move on from.
"With the wages that are on offer for players, that makes it a real challenge to compete at that level.
"What I've seen with Matt is that he's a first-class professional. He's a really humble guy who is devoted to his profession and he knows what he has here, so we're all quite relaxed.
"Every player has a value, but we see him as a really important player for us and while he is here, we'll continue to develop him and help him improve."
Celtic have signed two goalkeepers this summer, with Viljami Sinisalo joining from Aston Villa in a deal worth around £1m.
It is understood boss Rodgers wants fellow summer signing Kasper Schmeichel to mentor the Finland international, who spent last season on loan at Exeter City.
Schmeichel has signed a one-year deal at Scottish Premiership champions and will hope to replace Joe Hart as Celtic's new No 1, after Hart retired at the end of last season.
The 37-year-old has reunited with boss Rodgers, with pair first working together at Leicester City.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can't wait to get started. Celtic is one of the world's proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about.
"I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can't wait to work with again.
"I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success."
The 2024 summer transfer window is now open and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
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