Matt O’Riley has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this January and it came to a hilt on Wednesday afternoon.
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid – who Celtic faced in the Champions League group stage this season – submitted a loan to buy bid [Sky Sports] for our Danish midfielder.
He’s already been linked with the likes of Girona and Inter Milan over the past couple of weeks and it’s no wonder due to his incredible form for the Hoops this campaign.
The Scottish Sun did report, however, that Celtic are likely to boot the offer into the sky given O’Riley’s indispensable standing in the squad at the moment.
The Bhoys are chasing a 54th Scottish Premiership title and it is paramount the classy 23-year-old remains part of that push until the end of the season at least.
Transfer speculation has surrounded a number of Celtic stars this month including Liel Abada, Benjamin Siegrist, Gustaf Lagerbielke and more.
So central defender Stephen Welsh, when addressing the Atletico Madrid Matt O’Riley bid to the press yesterday, admitted everyone in the squad is used to the outside noise and it’s part and parcel of being at the Hoops.
Stephen Welsh on Matt O’Riley bid
Stephen Welsh said: “This is what happens historically at a big club like Celtic. The best players and the ones who have performed at Champions League level are going to get touted. That’s the way it is. Us players don’t really look at it, we just concentrate on the football.
“It is pretty common. If it’s going to happen, then it happens. But until someone signs on the dotted line the only club everyone is focused on is Celtic.
“All of us think the same. It’s about progressing and working hard for this club. The boys have a great attitude. It doesn’t really matter who gets linked away, no one really thinks about it.
“Everyone is content here. There is a real tunnel vision to go and win the next two trophies.”
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