Matt O’Riley blanks Celtic transfer exit talk as standout attracts Premier League 'interest'

Matt O’Riley isn’t contemplating a Celtic exit amid claims the Hoops midfielder is being eyed by English Premier League pair Brighton and Brentford.

Reports south of the border suggested the Hoops midfielder was on the radar of the two top flight clubs but Record Sport understands the 22-year-old former Fulham graduate has no interested in leaving the Scottish Premiership champions any time soon after signing a new contract just last month to keep him at the club at least until 2027 after summer bids were rejected from Leeds United and Bologna.

O’Riley was signed by former boss Ange Postecoglou in his first season at the club for £1.5 million from MK Dons and that was described as an “absolute steal” by Scotland, Liverpool and Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish who hopes O’Riley sticks around for the long haul. Dalglish, writing in his Sunday Post column, said: "I believe he cost in the region of £1.5 million from MK Dons, which is an absolute steal. He has matured and his game has improved. At 22, there is still plenty more to come and he appears to be thriving under Brendan.

"It was good business to tie him down on a long-term contract. He will also be benefiting from having Callum Mcgregor in beside him. Callum is hugely experienced and a knowledgeable footballer. It would be wonderful for the Celtic fans if they thought this team could stay together for another 18 months. Several players will be attracting interest and the business model is to sell for large transfer fees and that has been successful for them. However, it would be great for Brendan to think he could have the players he wanted to keep for the whole of next season. That could lead to something really special. But money talks in football.”