In form MLS talent joins three-man Celtic shortlist for Matt O’Riley contingency plan

Celtic are doing their homework on potential targets to replace Matt O’Riley at the club, should an acceptable offer be made for him this summer.

Atalanta, Southampton and others have been linked with a move for the Bhoys midfielder, with lowball bids reportedly kicked out of touch by the Scottish champions.

However, there’s still the chance of a team coming in with the kind of cash – north of £25m – that tempts Celtic into selling the Danish international star.

Paulo Bernardo is expected to arrive at the club shortly but the Bhoys will need to recruit another quality option if O’Riley leaves.

Northern Ireland international Shea Charles and Venezia talent Tanner Tessmann are both said to be interesting Celtic this summer and a new name has joined that list.

Celtic show interest in Daniel Gazdag

Sky Sports reports that Philadelphia Union star Daniel Gazdag, who has netted 14 goals in 21 MLS appearances this season, is one midfield option Celtic are looking at in the event O’Riley goes.

Gazdag, said to be worth around £10m to his club, has already been attracting attention from Turkish side Trabzonspor this summer – who have held talks for his signature.

However, the broadcaster believes that Celtic are also monitoring the player alongside the aforementioned Charles and Tessmann, with no formal bid yet received by Union.

Celtic put a transfer succession plan in place

Gazdag, 28, would certainly be an option ready to come in and compete for a first-team spot at the Bhoys straight away, rather than being a project player to develop over time.

He has the right profile. He’s a goalscoring attacking midfielder who is also a regular international performer with his country Hungary.

The interest suggests Celtic are serious about replacing O’Riley with a proven talent in the event a big bid does arrive.