The newest transfer involving Celtic is expected to be worth £2 million, and Matt O’Riley of Atalanta is
expected to make a fifth bid.Bosun Lawal, 21, signed a three-year contract at the Bet365 stadium to become the EFL Championship side’s fifth summer signing this week, and Celtic will receive a £2 million bonus as he finalized his move to Stoke City. The former Watford starlet, who spent last season on loan with Fleetwood Town, underwent a medical this past weekend, and it is anticipated that his transfer will be announced soon. This information was exclusively revealed by Football Scotland on Friday.Brendan Rodgers ran the rule over the versatile midfielder – who can also play at centre-back – during pre-season but concluded he wouldn’t figure as a part of his plans. Lawal wasn’t involved in yesterday’s matchday squad at Easter Road as he took in Stoke’s 1-0 win over Coventry on Saturday.In the meantime, the Celts are ready for Atlanta’s FIFTH attempt to sign in-demand player Matt O’Riley. The Parkhead executives are holding out for a record-breaking amount for their star player that would surpass the £25 million they received from Kieran Tierney’s move to Arsenal five years ago. Last week, the Europa League winners had a £20 million offer for O’Riley rejected. Although Southampton, Brighton, and Chelsea are also considering a move for O’Riley, 23, he isn’t pressing for one.
Rodgers admitted the Denmark international will be allowed to speak to other clubs once Celtic’s valuation is met but confessed the classy playmaker will be impossible to replace.
Speaking yesterday, Rodgers said: “I don’t think we can replace like for like. He’s had years growing into the player he is now. If he did leave, to get someone like that straight away is very difficult.
“For that reason, we won’t be spending that much money on a single player in the event that he does leave, even if it were for a sizable sum. If not, he wouldn’t be lost. I’m not overthinking it, though. He’s a gifted and talented player that I like working with. He is having a great time at Celtic, and we’ll see how things develop day by day.
“At least, as of last night and this morning, I was not aware of any additional bids. He’s playing and training well. We keep going along that road unless I hear otherwise.”
The Scottish champions and Norwich City are still negotiating on a deal for Adam Idah. Football Scotland is aware that if an offer of between £6 million and £8 million is made, the Canaries are prepared to part with their desired striker. In Norwich’s 2-0 away loss to Oxford United on Saturday, Idah, 23, entered the game off the bench.
After Kyogo had a knock against Hibs, Hoops manager Aaron Rodgers wants to finalize a contract this week. Rodgers has been pursuing the Scottish Cup-winning goal hero’s signature all summer.
“I’ve got no update on it,” he stated. He remains a player for Norwich. What we require is known to us. Our needs have always been clear to us. In the upcoming weeks, hopefully, we can bolster the team.”
