Reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke reports that Celtic would only consider selling Matt O’Riley for ‘massive’ money this summer.

The Lowdown: Being hunted by the Foxes

The midfielder only put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Scottish Premiership champions back in January, but has already been linked with a move away from Glasgow.

Premier League side Leicester City seem to be the club whose name has cropped up the most, with Brendan Rodgers eyeing the 21-year-old as a replacement for James Maddison should he make the switch to Newcastle United.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s exit claim

O’Rourke, speaking to The Transfer Tavern, insisted that the Hoops would only let O’Riley depart for what they would view as a ‘massive’ profit. He said:

“I think in the current market you’re probably looking at O’Riley around the £15-20m mark.

“If you’re seeing how well he did at Celtic last year, and again, if Celtic were to sell him for that price, it would represent a massive profit from what they got from MK Dons as well.

“So, I think if Celtic were to lose him, I think they would ask for top dollar and I think it would be a good piece of business financially, but I just think that Ange Postecoglou will be looking to keep hold of him and I’m sure if he continues to have another good season, his price tag will be even higher next summer.”

The Verdict: Would be a huge loss

Even though O’Riley has only been with the Bhoys for a number of months, he’s become an integral part of Postecoglou’s starting XI and it would be devastating if they were to lose him at such an early stage of his career.

Last season, the maestro averaged 2.5 key passes and 1.2 tackles per game, as well as making six goal contributions in just 12 appearances, via WhoScored.

O’Riley is a truly promising player who is showing signs and attributes that he can go on to become the future of Celtic Football Club, so they need to do everything they can to fend off interest and potentially sell him for a mega fee further down the line.