Matt O’Riley: Celtic reject Atalanta’s second bid for midfielder | Football News

Celtic have rejected a second bid from Atalanta for in-demand midfielder Matt O’Riley.

It’s understood the improved offer consisted of a £14.3m initial fee, plus add-ons.

Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, but there is still a significant gap in valuation, with Celtic wanting a club-record transfer fee if they are to sell him this summer.

Winger Jota was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for £25m last year, with Arsenal paying just under that for Kieran Tierney in 2019.

Atalanta’s Serie A rivals Juventus and Roma, plus the likes of Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest in the Denmark international.

O’Riley scored 19 goals with 18 assists in 49 appearances for Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, and captained Celtic in their 4-0 pre-season win over DC United in Washington on Sunday.

The 23-year-old is under contract at Celtic until 2027, with the club knocking back an offer of £20m from Atletico Madrid in January.

Celtic sign Schmeichel and Sinisalo

Celtic have signed two goalkeepers this summer, with Viljami Sinisalo joining from Aston Villa in a deal worth around £1m.

It is understood boss Rodgers wants fellow summer signing Kasper Schmeichel to mentor the Finland international, who spent last season on loan at Exeter City.

Schmeichel has signed a one-year deal at Scottish Premiership champions and will hope to replace Joe Hart as Celtic’s new No 1, after Hart retired at the end of last season.

The 37-year-old has reunited with boss Rodgers, with pair first working together at Leicester City.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started. Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success. Celtic is what football is all about.

“I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again.

“I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window is now open and will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

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