BRIGHTON have emerged as favourites to sign Matt O’Riley after opening talks with Celtic over a £25million deal.
The Seagulls have tabled their big-money offer for the Denmark international.
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SunSport revealed last month that O’Riley was wanted by the Premier League outfit. While they prepared to swoop, Celts booted out several bids from Serie A leaders Atalanta.
They rejected five approaches from the Italian club, including a whopping £21.5m fee, as they vowed to hold out for more.
Last season’s Europa League winners have now pulled out of the race by targeting Udinese star Lazar Samardzic.
But Brighton have now made their move for O’Riley, 23, by slapping down a firm offer.
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As yet a deal has NOT been struck, but Celts chiefs are in negotiations on the understanding that the midfielder would be interested in joining Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
The Seagulls’ bid is believed to be made up of a hefty initial payment before significant add-ons.
They have already secured the signings of Ibrahim Osman, Mats Wieffer and Brajan Gruda this summer.
They also broke their transfer record with a £30m deal for winger Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers has pinpointed signing targets should O’Riley leave.
But he vowed: “There is a value we have for him, and if that’s not met Matt will be here — it’s as simple as that.
“He’s really happy here, but it has to be something that draws him away. I am not overthinking it.
“We all know the model here at Celtic, players will improve and they will get to a level that’s beyond, not the club, but in terms of the financial salary. But until that comes we continue to work with him.”
If O’Riley joins Brighton he could replace Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour, who has been linked with a £15m move to Napoli.
Brighton fans chanted, ‘We want you to stay’ when the ex-Rangers kid climbed off the bench in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Everton in the opening game of the Premier League.
New boss Hurzeler would be happy to keep Gilmour, 23, at the Amex this season.
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He said: “Billy Gilmour knows how I see him and how my plans are with him. In the end he knows what he has with this club, with his team-mates.
“Here he can develop, he’s a great player, and he’s developed really well here already.
“We will see what happens, but I’m glad he’s back on the pitch.”
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Gilmour’s Scotland team-mate Scott McTominay has also been linked with Napoli, while Fulham have had bids rejected for the Manchester United ace.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said: “They are good, strong players, let’s see what happens in the next days.”
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