Brighton are ‘talking numbers’ for ‘phenomenal’ Celtic star Matt O’Riley this summer, £25m deal on the cards

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Celtic might have a bidding war on their hands for Matt O’Riley this summer.

It might be a nervous end to the transfer window for Celtic fans as bids fly in for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Italian outfit Atalanta have already tabled two bids for Matt O’Riley, while Premier League side Southampton have also shown their interest.

Matt O’Riley was in action for the Scottish champions for their league opener against Kilmarnock last weekend – but fans will hope it was not their last glimpse of the Danish international in Celtic colours.

A new contender has now emerged in the transfer race, with HITC confirming that Brighton have held talks over a potential move for O’Riley.

The Seagulls are ready to offer Facundo Buonanotte as part of a deal for O’Riley this summer.

Brighton now at the front of the queue for O’Riley

Celtic have so far stood firm and rebuffed all interest in O’Riley, but more and more clubs are beginning to circle for his signature.

It is understsood that Celtic want a Scottish record fee of around £25million for O’Riley to sell him this summer.

He is admired at Celtic Park, especially by Brendan Rodgers who hailed O’Riley as “phenomenal” towards the end of last season.

Speaking on Go Radio Football Show, Mark Guidi revealed that Brighton have leapfrogged their rivals in the race for O’Riley.

“It looks as if Brighton have jumped to the head of the queue for Matt O’Riley, they are serious and are talking numbers with Celtic,” Guidi said.

“It looks as though Matt O’Riley will go. There is far too much interest in him. I think they will get a minimum of £20million, I know Celtic want upwards of £25million and it might reach that with add-ons.

“But after his performance again yesterday, there are a number of clubs sniffing around for him and I think they are getting a wee bit nervous that they might miss out.

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“But Brighton at the moment are at the front of the queue.”

Celtic are next in action against Hibernian on Sunday afternoon. It is yet to be seen whether O’Riley will still be part of Rodgers’ side for the away trip.