Celtic reject Matt O'Riley transfer bid as Serie A club make their move for Hoops star

CELTIC have booted out a bid from Bologna for Matt O’Riley.

The Hoops midfielder is under contract at Parkhead until 2026 — but SunSport understands that hasn’t put off the Serie A side.

O’Riley in recent days but it was quickly dismissed by Celts chiefs.

Bologna — bossed by ex-Barcelona ace Thiago Motta — are now deciding whether to return to the table with a higher figure.

They have a track record of taking prized assets from Scotland after landing Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson in the past.

But Bologna are also aware they aren’t the only side weighing up a swoop for former Fulham kid O’Riley, 22.

The Hoops are bracing themselves for the possibility of more offers in the final days before the transfer window closes.

Teams in Italy and Spain as well as other parts of Europe are understood to have contacted the Hoops with firm approaches throughout the summer.

Ambitious sides in England are also ready to pounce ahead of the September 1 deadline.

O’Riley has been a key player since the Hoops splashed £1.5million to trigger his release from MK Dons in January 2022.

He’s scored ten goals in 75 appearances and has netted twice in the three games under Brendan Rodgers this term.

SunSport understands that Real Sociedad are in negotiations with Arsenal over a season-long loan deal for the Scotland international.

The Hoops had emerged as the bookies' favourites to land Tierney, while Newcastle signed Chelsea's Lewis Hall instead having been tipped to make a move.

Tierney had left the door open to a remarkable return to Parkhead and Rodgers refused to rule it out.

However, it's understood the 26-year old is keen on a move to Sociedad who will be playing in the Champions League this season.