Atlético Madrid will once again test Celtic’s resolve over midfielder Matt O’Riley this summer, as they eye him as a replacement for Saúl.
That’s according to AS, who say there is currently a €20m gap between what the Spanish are willing to pay and what Celtic are demanding for him.
The newspaper explains that Atlético once again have O’Riley among their future prospects for their midfield after targeting him last summer.
Diego Simeone’s side want to reinforce their midfield, particularly if they reach an agreement with Saúl to terminate his contract, and are ‘very close’ to the Celtic midfielder as a result.
They were already following him last summer and reports in Denmark had them making a €21m bid, which was rejected by Celtic, who valued him at €29m at the time.
That’s now changed and Brendan Rodgers and co want €40m for the midfielder, knowing that he is sought-after and could leave this summer.
AS say Atlético are very unlikely to get anywhere near that figure, though. They think the 23-year-old has a great future, but their highest bid would only reach around €20m. So, half of what Celtic are likely to demand for O’Reilly this summer.
The Bhoys can do so too, with the midfielder tied to a contract until 2027, leaving them well protected on that front and not needing to lower their demands.
