Celtic transfer bulletin as Liverpool 'prepare' for Kelleher exit and O'Riley sees the rules change with Atletico

Celtic have been handed a boost in their bid to keep a hold of talisman Matt O'Riley this summer, with Atletico Madrid said to be drawing up a list of alternative targets.

The Denmark international's sparkling displays last season have attracted the interest of Diego Simeone's side, who saw an audacious loan bid with an obligation to buy the 23-year-old turned down by the Hoops back in January. Reports in Spain claim that the La Liga giants are unwilling to meet Celtic's £33million asking price for O'Riley, who registered an impressive 19 goals and 18 assists in 49 games in all competitions in 2023/24.

According to Spanish outlet Que Deportes, Atletico have identified Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte as a potential target. The Uruguayan star only joined the Ligue 1 champions from Sporting CP last summer, but is believed to be keen to move on after playing a bit part role for most of the season in the French capital. Juventus are also said to be tracking Ugarte, who has won 16 caps for Uruguay.

The 23-year-old is contracted in France until the summer of 2028 and would require a significant transfer fee to convince the Parisian powerhouses to do business. The report adds that Colchoneros are also keen on Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer, Argentina's World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez and O'Riley's Denmark teammate Pierre-Emile-Hojbjerg at Tottenham.

One area of the field that Brendan Rodgers and Celtic need to address this summer is between the sticks, with the club currently without a recognised first choice goalkeeper following Joe Hart's retirement. A whole host of players have been linked with the position, but one stopper who Hoops fans would love to see arrive through the doors at Lennoxtown is Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Republic of Ireland international's future at Anfield is far from certain, and developments elsewhere on Merseyside suggest that the Reds are preparing for the 25-year-old's exit. With veteran keeper Adrian expected to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this month, new boss Arne Slot will be left with Kelleher and Polish youngster Fabian Mrozek vying for the understudy to Brazilian star Alisson.

And according to Polish outlet Meczyki, Liverpool have knocked back a bid from Portuguese club Vitoria SC to take the 20-year-old on loan for a season, with an option to buy also included as part of the proposal. The same source also adds that Polish sides FKS Stal Mielec and MKS Cracovia are also interested in a temporary deal for Mrozek, who featured for the Reds in a pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace 12 months ago.