Club Want Celtic Man Unrelated To Possible Sale Amid Southampton Making Concrete Moves | OneFootball

Atalanta do not need to sell Teun Koopmeiners to sign Matt O’Riley from Celtic, but the Italians are tipped to need to beware of rival interest from Southampton.

The Danish midfielder has impressed with his performances at Celtic and the Bhoys are facing a big battle to keep hold of him.

Atalanta have had multiple offers rejected, including their latest which was for €17m plus a further €2m in bonuses; Celtic are claimed to want a minimum of €27m plus €2m in bonuses.

It had been thought that Atalanta would largely be looking at signing O’Riley as a replacement for Koopmeiners, who is wanted by Juventus.

However, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Atalanta’s pursuit of O’Riley is unrelated to what happens to Koopmeiners.

The Italians are big admirers of O’Riley and are desperate to land him.

It is suggested though they need to beware interest from Southampton in the Celtic man, with the Saints having made concrete moves in the last few hours.

Joining Russell Martin’s Southampton could well appeal strongly to O’Riley and Atalanta will have to guard against being overtaken in the race by the Premier League side.

Atalanta have been tipped to go back to Celtic with another bid soon.