|
Brighton are set to break the Scottish transfer record to sign Celtic star Matt O’Riley and are confident of securing a deal for the coveted midfielder.
O’Riley has been the subject of multiple offers over the summer, the most recent of which came from Europa League champions Atalanta last week.
But a succession of lowball offers from the Serie A side, the latest of which was for £21.5m plus another £2m in add-ons, fell short of Celtic’s £25m valuation of the 23-year-old Denmark international.
It was announced over the weekend that Atalanta have signed Serbian midfielder Lazar Samardzic from Udinese after losing interest in O’Riley.
Brighton have now submitted a formal offer to Celtic, and Mail Sport understands the Premier League side are prepared to top the £25million Arsenal paid for Kieran Tierney.
Sources have indicated that O’Riley’s £25m price tag will not be an issue and are confident both clubs can now reach an agreement.
O’Riley has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer and is expected to move soon.
The midfielder has continued to play his part despite a series of offers from Atalanta being rejected.
New Brighton manager Hurzeler has set his sights on O’Riley as he restructures his Seagulls squad
O’Riley remains under contract until 2027 and has shown no signs of wanting to move on, with boss Brendan Rodgers praising his attitude and professionalism.
The in-demand midfielder was the subject of a failed bid from Atletico Madrid in January and has also attracted strong interest from Southampton.
O’Riley was part of the Celtic side that beat Hibs 3-1 to reach the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Sunday and Rodgers was asked about his situation and general recruitment.
“His mentality is phenomenal,” Rodgers said. “He’s a player that has continued to grow and you can see the confidence with which he plays.”
‘I still think we need another player in that position. If he were to leave, we would need two more.
“I will have to speak to the board. There is a lot of work going on and there are many things we need to do. We know where we want to strengthen and I am very hopeful that we can do that.”
If Brighton do go ahead and seal a deal for O’Riley, that could pave the way for Billy Gilmour to leave the Seagulls and join Napoli.
Substitute Gilmour celebrates with Adingra after the Brighton striker scored against Everton
The Scottish midfielder has been identified as a key target for new Napoli manager Antonio Conte, with the Italians making an official approach last week.
Brighton were undecided about Gilmour’s future as he adjusted to life under new manager Fabian Hurzeler.
The Scot came on as a substitute on Saturday as Brighton kicked off their Premier League campaign with a thumping 3-0 win away to Everton.
Meanwhile, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers insists the Parkhead club are in a much stronger position than they were 12 months ago and believes the best is yet to come.
Celtic have made a good start to the new campaign, beating Hibs 3-1 on Sunday afternoon to advance to the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup.
Rodgers’ side also sit top of the Premier League after winning their opening two games, backing up impressive victories over Chelsea and Manchester City in pre-season.
O’Riley celebrates with Maeda after the Japanese scored his second goal against Hibernian
Carter-Vickers said: “Our performances so far have been good, as they have been in pre-season. It’s early days so it’s just a case of trying to keep working and trying to improve.”
‘Since it’s the coach’s second year, I think it’s pure that the more time he spends with the group, the more he can implement the way he wants to play and the way he wants to train and work.
“I think we are definitely capable of more. We have started well, it has been a kind of continuation of pre-season, but hopefully as the season progresses and we continue to work together, we will improve and become better.”
“It’s good to do it in the first three, four or five games, but the key is consistency. If we can maintain that level and improve a little bit throughout the season, then that would be fantastic.”
