- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Brighton have opened talks with Celtic over a deal for midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The Premier League club are looking to push forward and thrash out a deal for the 23-year-old Denmark international.
HITC understands that personal terms have already been discussed and are agreed in principle. Both clubs are now in negotiations over a fee for the midfielder.
Brighton have already submitted an offer for O’Riley this summer but the Seagulls have returned to try and finalise an agreement.
Brighton are confident they are now in pole position for his signature after Atalanta dropped out of the race for O’Riley by refusing to meet their demands. Instead, they struck a £17million deal for Lazar Samardzic.
Matt O’Riley’s stance on leaving Celtic
Despite the interest in his signature, Matt O’Riley has played a part in all three of Celtic‘s matches so far this season, including their 3-1 win over Hibernian on Sunday afternoon.
However, HITC is told that O’Riley has made it clear to Celtic that he wants the chance to leave this month.
Celtic rejected two offers from Atalanta for O’Riley worth around £15million as they were holding out for a bigger fee.
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It is understood the Glasgow giants want a club-record fee of £25million plus an additional £5million in add-ons to part ways with O’Riley.
O’Riley has a contract at Celtic Park until 2027 so they are under no pressure to lower their asking price.
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