Matt O'Riley targeted for Atletico Madrid transfer as Celtic receive loan offer with signing guarantee

Celtic are facing a fresh fight to keep hold of Matt O'Riley after Atletico Madrid reportedly tabled a bid for the midfield star.

Sky Sports claim that the La Liga giants have launched an offer to land the Denmark international on an initial loan deal for the remainder of the season, with an obligation to turn it into a permanent transfer in the summer. The 23-year-old has been in inspired form for the Hoops this season, with 10 goals and 12 assists in 29 matches in all competitions. Two of those appearances came against Atletico in Group E of the Champions League, with Diego Simeone's side winning 6-0 at home.

Brendan Rodgers' Hoops finished bottom of the group with just four points, but were just minutes away from a victory over the Colchoneros back in November, when O'Riley put in a superb display in the dramatic 2-2 draw at Parkhead.

But O'Riley's performances appear to have caught the eye of bosses at the Metropolitano, with Atleti making their move for the former Fuham youngster. O'Riley has previously been eyed by high-flying La Liga side Girona. Last month, Serie A powerhouses Inter Milan had also been rumoured to be weighing up an approach for O'Riley, who arrived at Parkhead for around £1.5 million in January 2022.

The report states Celtic retain hope of holding onto their main man who penned a fresh four-year deal at the start of the 23/24 season.

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