Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson fears that Matt O’Riley will be poached by another club in the not-too-distant future.
It has been previously claimed that the Hoops have rejected an eight-figure sum for the midfielder and, speaking to radio station Clyde 1, Wilson said the Scottish champions may not be able to keep hold of him for much longer:
“I think there is a good chance that he will go. I say that as Celtic knocked back a substantial bid this summer – £10m. Now he’s a full international and on the back of the six months he’s had from summer to now, you see him getting better.”
“I just think someone will recognise that, I think people will already have recognised that. It will take a big bid and I think it will be a lot of money.”
No less than 9 clubs are keeping tabs on O’Riley
It was reported last week that English teams such as Newcastle, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Leicester are watching the Denmark international’s performances closely.
Clubs on the continent, including Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Lille are said to be interested in signing O’Riley as well.
Celtic won’t sell the midfielder in January
While the Hoops fully appreciate that they won’t be able to keep hold of O’Riley in the long term, there is thought to be a determination to retain his services until at least the end of the season.
The Dane penned a four-year contract extension back in September so there is no rush to sell the player, but the sheer number of clubs pursuing his services means there is a chance a bid will match the club’s asking price at some point.