The Celtic rumour mill was shaken up as it emerged that Atletico Madrid had submitted an offer for the transfer of Matt O'Riley, first on a loan deal which would include an obligation to sign him permanently in the future. Of course, fans do not want to see the Danish international leave the club anytime soon.
One can only hope that Celtic end up turning down the offer. It is not just down to them though. Atletico Madrid are the level of club who can turn the head of most players.
Initially, it was not clear what kind of a transfer fee Atletico Madrid were offering to sign O'Riley. But more details have emerged about the offer now.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Atletico Madrid's bid would involve a loan fee being paid now. Then further payments beyond that which could rise to £20 million. Celtic are ready to turn down the approach.
Details emerge about fee offered by Atletico Madrid to Celtic
Most people expect it to take a Scottish-record transfer fee to convince Celtic to part ways with O'Riley. That currently stands at £25 million, which is what it took for Arsenal to sign Kieran Tierney and Al-Ittihad to sign Jota.
Thus, one would have expected Celtic to turn down Atletico Madrid's offer, even if it had arrived in the summer and not in the middle of the season. And to be honest, the Hoops should not even consider parting ways with O'Riley right now.
There are going to be a lot of offers for O'Riley in the summer, if he does not pick up an injury or see his form dip dramatically in the second half of the campaign. There is no reason to rush and jeopardise the Premiership campaign, with the Rangers not far behind and in better form.