Celtic ‘accept’ £35m record fee for key man as Rangers star is now ‘a target’ in England
There’s plenty to keep an eye on this summer as clubs in the Scottish Premiership sink their teeth into this summer’s transfer window. Sides up and down the country have wasted no time in entering talks and getting deals finalised but there’s still plenty of scope for new deals to be agreed for both incoming new players and outgoing talent.
As we head into another week of transfer business, we’ve rounded up some of the latest headlines in Glasgow as both Celtic and Rangers navigate their windows. The Light Blues have already secured five deals but their Old Firm rivals and reigning Scottish Premiership champions are still yet to make their first signing.
Celtic ‘would accept’ £35m for key man
After another title-winning season, Parkhead is attracting a lot of attention right now. A number of Celtic players are being eyed by rival clubs and as a result, a lot of speculation is swirling around the club. Brendan Rodgers and co are on the market for a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart but if they sanction the sale of other key players, they will need to extend their summer wish list.
Matt O’Riley has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs recently, and with his stunning return of 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions last season, it’s not hard to see why. The midfielder missed just one game for the Hoops the entire term, so losing him would certainly be a hefty blow.
But according to Football Insider, Celtic has settled on a price that would persuade them to trade O’Riley this summer. The reigning Premier League winners “would accept” a £35 million offer for the 23-year-old should one be made.
The Scottish record, which was set by Kieran Tierney in 2019 after his £25 million move to Arsenal, would be smashed by £10 million in such a deal. Although O’Riley’s departure would undoubtedly hurt Celtic, the stats speak for themselves. Brendan Rodgers “doesn’t get a say” if an offer in such a substantial region is placed in front of them, according to FI reporter Daniel Bowers.
Rangers star ‘a target’ in England
Rangers winger Scott Wright has reportedly appeared on the radar of EFL Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, as they look to bolster their ranks and avoid another relegation battle next season.
According to Mailsport, the Owls have ‘already registered their interest’ in Wright, who has now entered the final 12 months remaining on his Ibrox deal. The 26-year-old’s manager on Wednesday, Danny Rohl, is reportedly a “admirer” of the player and wants to bring him to Hillsborough so he may try his hand at playing in England’s second division.
Wright is a desirable target due to his ability to play on either wing, and the Rangers are open to hearing bids for him this window after he mainly played on the bench the previous season. During the previous season, the former Aberdeen star made 23 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, making 15 of those appearances off the bench. But in his brief minutes on the field, he had a stunning cameo against Dundee, adding two goals to the 5-2 final score.
