Refusal to be ‘intimidated’ by Celtic transfer drama – ‘Embittered’ response just increases desire for Rodgers’ player

On Monday, we covered claims from Italy that Juventus were trying to cause trouble for Atalanta in their pursuit of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.

The Turin club had grown frustrated with La Dea continually demanding €60m for Teun Koopmeiners, and refusing to come down from that level.

Therefore, they decided they’d make an attempt to get O’Riley from Celtic themselves. Atalanta had seen him as a replacement for Koopmeiners, so Juve just thought they’d try and cause some trouble.

They were said to have contacted both Celtic and O’Riley’s camp, yet their tactics were transparent from the off and Atalanta aren’t collapsing.

Calciomercato report Atalanta ‘have not been intimidated’ by Juve’s efforts. Indeed, the Turin club are described as ’embittered’ and there’s now just greater desire to get O’Riley from Celtic, whilst still staying strong over Koopmeiners.

Brendan Rodgers’ player is called a ‘breakthrough star’ and there’s a belief an effort would be made even if Koopmeiners stays where he is.

O’Riley’s Celtic days look numbered, with Atalanta still looking the likeliest destination.