Celtic’s stance on Matt O’Riley explained as Atalanta make second offer, Southampton lining up record bid

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Atalanta have made a second offer for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley but it is still not enough for the Scottish champions.

Since joining Scottish giants Celtic, midfielder Matt O’Riley has become one of the best players in the division and it seems a summer transfer for the Danish midfielder could well be on the cards.

Brendan Rodgers delivered the Scottish Premiership title last season for the Bhoys, but it came with its bumps in the road but O’Riley excelled.

Last season for Celtic, O’Riley had an outstanding season for the club as he netted 18 times and provided 13 assists in the league, and a move to Italian giants Atalanta could well be on the cards.

Atalanta make second offer for Celtic’s O’Riley

Sources have told HITC that Celtic have rejected a second offer from Italian outfit Atalanta worth around £15million.

HITC understands that Celtic’s stance on wanting a Scottish record fee of around £25million for O’Riley remains intact.

We are told that Atalanta are continuing talks and are ready to return with an increased offer, but it may not be enough.

Rodgers has certainly had a big impact on the midfielder’s career at the Scottish giants and labelled the 24-year-old as a ‘wonderful footballer’, when he spoke to Glasgow Live.

However, whilst Atalanta’s interest in the midfielder is possibly the strongest, there is continued O’Riley interest from the Premier League in the 18-goal star.

Southampton lining up record offer for O’Riley

A number of Premier League sides remain keen with Southampton pushing the hardest at this point in time and we are told that Russel Martin’s are lining up a deal worth close to a record offer.

Southampton’s previous record was the signing of Chelsea right-back Tino Livramento for £22 million as per Transfermarkt.

HITC also understands that Southampton are in talks with Crystal Palace as they try and secure a deal for young winger Jeserun Rak-Sakyi.

The Saints ideally want to take him on-loan with an option to buy but Palace would only consider a permanent deal at this point in time for the winger.