Brendan Rodgers makes fresh Matt O'Riley transfer admission as Liverpool tipped to make move

Liverpool has mainly been linked with wide forwards and center-backs this summer. That is not to say that there won’t be a signing made in midfield, though.

There was a bid for Anthony Gordon and interest in Leny Yoro . We’ve seen Riccardo Calafiori rumored , with Takefusa Kubo strongly linked . But there have also been whispers that Celtic’s central midfielder Matt O’Riley is on the Reds’ radar .

He reportedly carries a $34m (£26m/€31m) price tag, relatively modest by Liverpool standards. His manager, former Reds boss Brendan Rodgers , has commented on O’Riley’s future having been asked about it on Celtic’s pre-season tour of the United States.

READ MORE: Matt O'Riley 'increased offer' made as Liverpool competition ramps up for Celtic midfielder

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

"There's no update, we're fairly relaxed," Rodgers said (via The Standard ). "You saw him in the game the other night. He's working well and is very focused.”

The game in question was a 4-0 friendly win against DC United. O’Riley captained the side and scored the first two goals.

"Naturally, when you're a really good young player who's committed and professional as he is, he will acquire attention,” Rodgers continued. “He's working so well, there's nothing to report on him."

While keeping his cards close to his chest, the Bhoys’ boss conceded that the player may leave. "I think we all understand, the people close to Celtic understand the model Celtic works to," he said. "Matt's been at the club for three years. He's developed into the player he has and he knows the privilege it is to play for Celtic. Of course, naturally, how it works is the player gets that opportunity to move on.”

"Celtic is a club where you can move on but you don't have to and it's a very difficult club to move on from. Naturally with the wages that are on offer for players, then that makes it a real challenge for Celtic to compete at that level,” Rodgers admitted.

"But what I've seen with Matt is he's a first-class professional. He's a really humble guy who's very devoted to his profession and he knows what he has here so we're all quite relaxed with it. Every player has a value but we see him as a really important player for us and whilst he is here, we'll continue to develop him and help him improve."

Liverpool.com says: O’Riley faced Feyenoord twice in the Champions League last season so Arne Slot will know what he can deliver, not least as he assisted Celtic’s winner in December. Similarly, he played with Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott at youth team level with Fulham if Liverpool need a player opinion or two. With Rodgers acknowledging a sale is possible, this saga could have legs yet.