Matt O'Riley sees Celtic transfer exit domino fall as Atalanta 'blackmail' unlocks mega money amid Bournemouth interest

Raging Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has claimed that the club feel like they have been "blackmailed" into losing Teun Koopmeiners - in a deal that could fund a fresh attempt to sign Matt O'Riley.

Celtic have already kicked out FOUR bids from the Europa League winners as the Serie A side test the resolve of the Scottish Premiership champions to keep their star man this term - with reports suggesting that Atalanta have gone up to €23million (£20million) so far. However, that is still below what the Hoops are demanding for the Danish international - who are said to be looking to land around €28million (£24million) for their prize asset.

The latest knock back from Celtic comes with midfielder Koopmeiners on the brink of a move to Juventus - that has sparked fury from Gasperini. The Dutchman refused to train for La Dea as he wants the switch to Turin having reportedly already undergone a medical at Juve - but Atalanta's €60million asking price had not been met.

Juve are said to have refused to go beyond €50million - with Gasperini claiming his side have now been forced to accept the offer. The irked boss told l’Eco di Bergamo: “The situation with Koopmeiners was all going well until the end of last week.

"The player has decided to move to Juventus, he’s already got an agreement. He felt stressed and decided not to train or play with us anymore.

“And with this situation, he is no longer of use to the squad, or to his teammates. The club, in turn, has taken a very firm stance because they feel blackmailed by the situation, one that is different to the many other times in the past when the club have sold prized assets to big teams.”

With Atalanta now in dire need of a new midfielder, they could splash some of the influx of