Matt O'Riley stays as Man Utd star and £3m wonderkid join – Celtic's perfect midfield

Celtic could be just one or two transfers away from having a perfect set of midfield options for the season.

After Paulo Bernardo's loan move was made permanent last week, Brendan Rodgers started the new campaign with the same set of midfielders at his disposal that he finished the last one with. He'll be hoping not to lose any of them after Sunday's 4-0 win over Kilmarnock even though £25million or so for Matt O’Riley would further boost Celtic’s already bursting bank balance. Mind you, it would be no mean feat replacing O’Riley with a player with the same ability.

In the ideal scenario where O’Riley stays, they would then be bolstered in the final weeks of the window, providing extra competition in what could be the busiest season to date. With that in mind, Record Sport takes a look at what Celtic's dream midfield roster may look like.

Naturally, there are some non-negotiables who won't be departing. Club captain Callum McGregor is the first name on the teamsheet, and Reo Hatate should be joining him in the starting XI when fit.

The Japan international cut a frustrated figure at times last season, with Leicester City taking an interest in him of late, but his showing at the weekend - which had Rodgers raving - exemplifies the necessity to ward off any approaches. Similarly, Tomoki Iwata, somewhat of an unsung hero in 2023/24, will be an important player when called upon. And after his £3.5m permanent return, Bernardo shall be too.

Of course, there is a key option that has to be addressed further – O'Riley. Celtic could do with his future being decided one way or the other, but it looks like it will be a conundrum that goes right down to the transfer window wire.

An increasing amount of clubs are circling for the Dane,