Hotline at odds as Celtic rolling in it with O'Riley megabucks and Rangers can't raise chickenfeed Sima fee

Celtic fans are torn between losing a classy midfielder in Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion and banking a record fee which continues their successful player trading model.

The Seagulls are preparing a mega-bucks swoop that would eclipse the £25million the Parkhead side banked for Kieran Tierney when he went to Arsenal. It’s big money for last season’s double winners and Hotline callers can recognise that but they are more interested in how the money will be reinvested to ensure the quality on the park remains as healthy as the balance sheet off it.

Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “All the best to Matt O’Riley. He’s been a fantastic player for us. I would love him to stay a bit longer but it would only delay the inevitable. Another brilliant bit of business by Celtic. But fans want them to spend some cash now.”

Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “If Celtic get £25m-plus for Matt O'Riley then that's fantastic business from our club. And the step up in his game since working with Brendan Rodgers is testament to the brilliant work he does with players on the training ground. Whether we like it or not, Celtic are a stepping stone club, as are Brighton. At 23 if he keeps developing a sell-on clause will earn us even more going forward.”

Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “It now seems inevitable that Matt O’Riley will be flying down south to agree terms with the Seagulls. However, I already thought Brendan Rodgers had a replacement lined up when bringing back Paulo Bernardo so £10million of O’Riley’s fee would be better spent on a top class defender to play alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.”

James Brown, Glasgow, emailed: “Hotliner Mr Lowe, who supports the team playing out of Hampden, continually shows his unhealthy