O'Riley price skyrockets, Wijndal door open and Sanches pitch – Celtic transfer state of play
Celtic have reportedly told Atalanta that their asking price for Matt O'Riley has been raised.
The Europa League winners have been focussed on the Danish international throughout the summer window with a series of bids being kicked out by tge Scottish Premiership champions. The Serie A side are not the only side looking to snap up the 23-year-old with Brighton and Bournemouth among the English Premier League sides showing interest -while Atletico Madrid and Inter are among the long-term admirers.
Boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic are under no pressure to sell - and a clear message has now been sent according to Gazetta dello Sport . It is claimed that the Hoops have told the Italian side that they are now demanding €30million (£25million) plus €5million (£4million) in bonuses with the latest offer from Atalanta offering a €27million (£23million) package for the midfielder.
It is noted that Celtic would "not mind" keeping O'Riley for the season and are "tired of the push and pull" over their star man. The report also notes that Atalanta are now looking at alternatives to replace Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners while still weighing up their next move in the O'Riley saga.
Elsewhere, Alvyn Sanches has been touted as a potential replacement for O'Riley should he leave this summer. Celtic would face competition from Nice, Club Brugge, Anderlecht and Burnley for the £4.3m rated 21-year-old from FC Lausanne-Sport.
And former Hoops' star Ramon Vega reckons that the experience he picked up in the Swiss top flight makes him perfect for Parkhead. He told The Herald: "Alvyn Sanches is a good prospect, especially for a club like Celtic.
"He is a great talent. I have read that Celtic are in the market for a Matt