Celtic rebuff serious interest in Matt O’Riley as summer suitor appears to admit defeat

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Serie A side Atalanta have had a very public pursuit of Matt O’Riley over the last month or so, making as many as five offers for the Celtic player.

The Scottish champions have rejected every single one, setting the bar high on their valuation of O’Riley.

That stance appears to have paid off with reports from Italy indicating they have given up on the midfield star to sign Lazar Samardzic from Udinese.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Samardzic will undergo a medical this weekend before sealing a transfer move worth in excess of €20m.

Atalanta had already offered more than that for O’Riley but fell short of Celtic’s expectations, so have apparently turned their attention to a cheaper player in the same position.

Celtic hardline stance provides hope of an O’Riley stay

The Italians have been the most serious suitors for O’Riley’s signature this summer so if they have indeed pulled out it’s a big moment.

It will spark hope that Celtic supporters get to see O’Riley in green and white for another 12 months, which could be huge for the Bhoys’ trophy chase and European ambitions.

Brighton and other English teams are still lurking, however, so there’s still a chance of a late-August move for the Danish international.

However, even the Seagulls have made a move for attacking option Brahan Gruda in recent days, so the status of their O’Riley pursuit is up in the air, too.

We can’t say for certain we’ll hold on to the 23-year-old, but it certainly looks a little more promising than it did this time last month.