Celtic 'reject' Matt O'Riley transfer bid by Southampton as FOURTH Atalanta offer expected

Celtic have reportedly "knocked back" a bid for Matt O'Riley from Southampton - with more bids expected before the start of the Scottish Premiership season.

Record Sport exclusively revealed that English Premier League new boys were preparing a £20million offer for the Danish international - and it now looks like they have made their move with boss Russell Martin a huge fan of the 23-year-old having linked up with the Danish international during his time at MK Dons. The Sun claim that Celtic have rejected the initial offer for O'Riley this summer.

Atalanta have already seen three bids knocked back for the midfielder while Atletico Madrid are said to still be in the picture. The Serie A side have seen three bids already booted out by the Scottish Premiership champions but are said to be considering a fourth before Brendan Rodgers' side kick-off the new league campaign against Kilmarnock.

The Daily Mail report that they are "expected to increase their offer" before Sunday's fixture. The Saints are also said to be back in with a new offer soon as boss Martin "enjoys a close relationship with O'Riley" and "wants to work with him again."

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