Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has lifted the lid on the mood within the club surrounding the wealth of transfer interest in Matt O’Riley.
The Dane had a sensational term last time out, contributing to 37 goals across all competitions.
His performances both domestically and in Europe have attracted widescale attention from several top clubs.
Atletico Madrid and Inter have both been linked with the 23-year-old, but it is Europa League winners Atalanta who are currently hot on his heels.
The Serie A side yesterday had yet another bid rejected for O’Riley, but negotiations remain ongoing.
While Rodgers will be naturally disappointed at losing one of his key players, he has admitted that the club are laid back about the current situation.
“We’re all quite relaxed about it”, he said (RecordSport).
“Every player has a value but we see him as a really important player and while he’s here we’ll continue to develop him and improve.
“There’s no update. We’re fairly relaxed, you saw him in the game the other night.”
It seems Celtic won’t sell O’Riley for any less than top-dollar; the club and player are visibly content with that.
On the pitch, the midfielder is unmoved by the speculation, captaining Celtic in their last two pre-season friendlies and scoring thrice in the process.
We might well be seeing the last of O’Riley in green and white, but at least he will leave with his head held high.
