Celtic are facing a fight to keep hold of their star players this summer after winning a league and cup double last season.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side continued their dominance in Scotland by beating arch-rivals Rangers to the Scottish Cup and the league title.
As usual, Celtic‘s goal next season will be to defend their titles and improve their performances in Europe, but their summer transfer business has not done much to inspire hope.
The only two signings that have arrived at Celtic Park so far are both goalkeepers – Viljami Sinisalo and Kasper Schmeichel.
Instead, Celtic have been focused on trying to keep their squad together with plenty of interest in their star players.
As revealed by HITC, Celtic have rejected two bids from Atalanta for Matt O’Riley, with the second worth £15million.
There is also interest in Reo Hatate, with newly-promoted Leicester City and Southampton interested in the Japan international.
Celtic warned not to sell £35m duo
Celtic’s midfield would be left in tatters if they allow both Hatate and Matt O’Riley to leave this summer, and that’s the exact argument that was made by Mark Guidi.
Speaking on Go Radio, Guidi warned Celtic that selling both stars could cause Brendan Rodgers to leave the club.
“I think Matt O’Riley is the one you’d expect to leave, but you can’t also sell Hatate in this window,” Guidi said.
“If you sell O’Riley and Hatate in this window the Celtic fans will be apoplectic and you will run the risk of losing the manager.
“You can’t afford to do it – you can accept one going if it is O’Riley or Hatate but selling the two of them is not acceptable in my opinion.”
Conversation then moved onto price tags, with Barry Ferguson insisting that Celtic would want £35million to let the duo leave this summer.
“I think they are looking for £20million for O’Riley. As for Hatate, with two years on his contract, I think you’re looking between £10-£15million.”
READ MORE: Celtic could replace O’Riley with £3m man who snubbed Hoops under Postecoglou
While the cash injection would be nice, Celtic aren’t desperate for money and it would be incredibly difficult to source two midfield replacements who would have the same impact as Hatate and O’Riley next season.
Celtic’s resolve is being tested and their transfer decision over Hatate and O’Riley could have a huge impact on their title chances next season.
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