Leicester City ‘Nearing’ Major Transfer Amid Conflicting Rumors
Sources have informed Football Insider that Leicester City are likely to miss out on signing Celtic star Matt O’Riley, as Atalanta intensifies their interest in him.
In the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke disclosed that Celtic will demand a club-record fee of over £25 million for Matt O’Riley following his impressive season at Parkhead.
Atalanta has initiated talks with Celtic and is preparing a second bid after their initial offer was rejected. Celtic’s previous record sales were the £25 million transfers of Jota to Al-Ittihad and Kieran Tierney to Arsenal.
Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has prioritized signing a new central midfielder this summer, following the loss of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea. Despite their ambitious transfer plans, Leicester, who won promotion from the Championship last season, is expected to face a relegation battle.
Champions League clubs are also interested in O’Riley, complicating Leicester’s efforts to secure his signing. Leicester is in a challenging financial position but remains eager to move quickly to outpace their rivals.
Former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie told Football Insider that O’Riley is likely seeking a move to a top club rather than one battling relegation. O’Riley is viewed as the ideal replacement for Dewsbury-Hall, offering goals and assists from midfield, but the high level of interest has made the deal difficult.
O’Riley was named Celtic’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season last year, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists, while also helping the team win the League and Scottish Cup
New Leicester manager Steve Cooper is determined to strengthen his squad in preparation for a relegation fight. The club’s situation is further complicated by the potential threat of a points deduction, which former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider could be as severe as 12 points.
