Liverpool given record fee demand for Matt O'Riley transfer as Celtic responds to interest

Celtic has demanded a record transfer fee for midfielder Matt O'Riley should any club attempt to pry the 23-year-old away from Glasgow this summer.

A number of clubs, including Liverpool , have been linked with a move for the Denmark international following another impressive campaign in Scotland in which he scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists across all competitions as Celtic won a league and cup double.

Since arriving from Milton Keynes Dons for $1.9million (£1.5million/€1.8million) in January 2022, the young midfielder has established himself as one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership. O'Riley intially signed a a four-and-a-half-year deal after arriving at Parkhead, but agreed to a new four-year contract just 18 months later.

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As a result, Celtic are demanding a much higher fee than what they paid for him should anyone wish to take him off their hands. Any potential suitors, including Liverpool, will now have to fork out at least $33.6m (£26m/€30.8m) to get a deal over the line, according to TEAMtalk .

As things stand, Serie A outfit Atalanta are thought to be leading the race for his signature, although the Italians have already seen bids of around $20.6m (£16m/€18.9m) rejected by Celtic. However, it's thought the total asking price could be achieved with a number of add-ons included in the deal.

TEAMtalk also add that O’Riley is keen on a move to Italy and has verbally given the green light to the transfer, should there be an agreement between the two clubs.

As for Liverpool, Celtic's asking price is more than affordable but it simply depends on whether the Reds want him enough to snap him up before anyone else, or whether they have other names in mind. Slot is yet to bring in a single new face since his arrival and the clock is ticking down towards the start of the campaign.

There are, of course, still six weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut and plenty of time to get business done, but Liverpool cannot afford to play catch-up to the rest of the title contenders who are getting their own dealings done early.

One issue that may stand in their way of signing O'Reily is the amount of playing time they can offer him. At Celtic, he is the first name on the teamsheet, while things are likely to be very similar should he end up moving to Atalanta. At Anfield , however, competition for places is incredibly high.