Matt O’Riley: Celtic reject Atalanta’s first offer for midfielder

Atalanta have opened talks with the Scottish champions and are expected to make another bid for the 23-year-old, who is also attracting interest from other clubs across Europe; O’Riley is under contract at Celtic until 2027

Celtic have rejected an initial bid from Atalanta for Matt O’Riley, with the Serie A club expected to make another offer.

The Hoops believe the influential midfielder should command a club-record transfer fee if they are to sell him this summer.

Winger Jota was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for £25m last year, with Arsenal paying just under that for Kieran Tierney in 2019.

Atalanta have opened talks with the Scottish champions and are expected to make another bid for the 23-year-old, who is also attracting interest from other clubs across Europe.

O’Riley scored 19 goals with 18 assists in 49 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, and scored in their 6-4 pre-season win at Queen’s Park on Tuesday night.

He is under contract at Celtic until 2027 with the club knocking back an offer from Atletico Madrid in January.

Rodgers: Transfer targets identified but patience needed

Celtic are the only Scottish Premiership club yet to make a signing this summer but, ahead of their pre-season trip to the USA, Rodgers insisted there was no need for panic.

“Of course, we would want to get them in sooner rather than later,” he said.

“But it’s a two-way thing so hopefully we can get them done in the coming weeks. Would we like to get some in before America? That’s the plan.

“I think every manager would like them in on the first day but what’s most important is the players we want are targeted.”

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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