In a summer filled with speculation, Celtic's star midfielder Matt O'Riley is at the centre of several transfer discussions, with Atalanta emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
The Italian Serie A side have recently seen a second bid of around £14.3 million turned down for O'Riley, but they remain the 2/1 favourites to secure his services before the August 30 deadline, according to Betfair.
O'Riley, 23, showcased his leadership qualities by captaining Celtic during their impressive 4-0 friendly victory over DC United last weekend, further highlighting his importance to the squad.
His performance in that match has only intensified interest from clubs across Europe. And he will no doubt have another opportunity to really make his talent known when Celtic go head-to-head with Manchester City and Chelsea in the final two matches of their U.S tour over the coming days.
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Southampton, currently at 4/1, and Liverpool at 6/1 are also in the transfer chase, while West Ham (8/1) and Everton (10/1) are considered outside contenders. Atletico Madrid is listed at 12/1, trailing behind the English Premier League side's.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom commented on the situation, stating, “Atalanta are the 2/1 favorites to sign in-demand Celtic star Matt O’Riley this summer. Southampton trail at 4/1 to bring the midfielder to the Premier League, with Liverpool 6/1 and West Ham 8/1 contenders. Everton are 10/1 outsiders to sign O’Riley, while Atletico Madrid are 12/1.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was asked about the rumours surrounding O'Riley ahead of Tuesday's pre-season friendly with Manchester City in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The Danish internationalist has scored 27 goals in 119 Celtic appearances since joining from MK Dons under Rodgers' predecessor Ange Postecoglou in January 2022.
"There's no update, fairly relaxed,"Rodgers stated.
"He knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic. Celtic is a club where you can move on but you don't have to and it's a very difficult club to move on from.
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"Naturally, with the wages that are on offer for players, that makes it a real challenge for Celtic to compete at that level. He knows what he has here.
"We're all quite relaxed with it. Every player has a value, we know that.
"You see him in the game the other night, he's working very well, very focused.
"Naturally, when you're a really a good player, especially a young player, who's committed and as professional as he is then he's going to acquire attention.
"He's working so well and there's nothing really to report on him."
