Reporter warns of a pottential bid war to sign Matt O’Riley.

Stephen McGowan believes EPL clubs will join Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Matt O’Riley.

The Daily Mail reporter has a solid track record with Celtic transfers, with the midfielder impressing in the Champions League and earning his first full cap for Denmark in the first half of the season.

Despite extending his Celtic contract in September, it appears only a matter of time before O’Riley is sold, with a summer exit making it easier for Celtic fans to accept.

In the Daily Mail, McGowan reports:

Atletico Madrid are prepared to shell out £20million to land Matt O’Riley from Celtic in the summer.

Hamstrung by Financial Fair Play considerations, the Spanish giants want to sign the Parkhead midfielder on loan this month with an obligation to buy in the summer.

Mail Sport understands, however, that English Premier League sides are preparing to trigger a bidding war for the Danish international in the final week of the window.

While 23-year-old O’Riley is flattered by the interest of Diego Simeone, he won’t push for a move.

And, with little time left to line up a replacement before the end of January, Celtic have no desire to lose the man who has been their strongest performer this season.

With Nicolas Kuhn the only addition to his squad thus far, Rodgers does not want to lose a key player like O’Riley while his team is in a close battle for the SPFL title.

Ange Postecoglou trusted his judgement when he signed O’Riley from MK Dons in League One two years ago.

Celtic were top of the SPFL after three matches, with the new signing fitting in perfectly alongside Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor.

The remainder of the transfer window appears to be a worrying time for Celtic fans, who fear another departure following the summer departures of Jota and Carl Starfelt.

In other news, ‘I watched him against England’: Peter Grant backs Celtic to sign forward amid Celtic striker search