Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is edging closer to sealing a record-breaking move to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, with the total fees the Seagulls are parting with set to beat the fees the Hoops got from the sales of Kieran Tierney and Jota, according to the Scottish Sun.
The duo left the Parkhead club for around the £25 million mark, but Celtic will be getting £25m up front for O’Riley, while further bonuses and a sell-on clause will be included in the total package.
The add-ons would see some additional millions paid to the Hoops if O’Riley triggers certain clauses going forward upon joining Brighton.
The Premier League club are now edging towards agreeing a price with Celtic, but personal terms with the midfielder are yet to be agreed.
However, that is not expected to be a problem, and O’Riley could complete a medical before the weekend and finalise a move back to England if all goes according to plan in the coming hours as expected.
The 23-year-old Denmark international has been the subject of an uncertain future at Parkhead all summer, but it appears that the transfer saga is nearing its end.
Atalanta had several offers for the Celtic star knocked out, with manager Brendan Rodgers insisting he will only be sold for top dollar.
Brighton are now ready to meet their demands, which could now force the Scottish Premiership club into the market for a late replacement.
Philadelphia Union star Daniel Gazdag, Southampton’s Shea Charles and Venezia midfielder Tanner Tessmann have all emerged as possible candidates to replace the Celtic star, and the Hoops will hope they can land someone who can replicate something close to the 19 goals and 18 assists he bagged in 49 games last term.