Celtic star focused on World Cup after confirming Newcastle United and Leicester City interest

The midfielder has made a big impact since moving to Glasgow.
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Celtic star Matt O’Riley has revealed he was the subject of interest from Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Leicester City during the summer.

The Denmark Under-21 international has enjoyed a fine start to like with the Glasgow giants after scoring four goals in 22 appearances since moving North of the border midway through the January transfer window.

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The Hoops parted with £1.5million to trigger a release clause in his contract at MK Dons and O’Riley wasted little time in making an impression with Ange Postecoglou’s side.

The 21-year-old was a key part of the Celtic side that saw off a challenge from cross-city rivals Rangers to secure the Scottish Premier League title and has started in all seven of his side’s league and Champions League fixtures so far this season.

Speaking recently, O’Riley named Newcastle as one of two clubs interested in taking him back to England - but insisted Celtic is ‘a good place to be’ as he bids for a place in Denmark’s World Cup squad later this year.

He told Danish outlet Tipsbladet: “I know Leicester showed a lot of interest in me. And I think Newcastle was there too. But it wasn’t a matter of any of them making a bid. If there’s no bid, it’s not very concrete in my head.

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“I didn’t really think about it because nobody from Celtic told me that, for example, Newcastle had made a bid. It wasn’t like that, so there wasn’t much to think about, and a lot is written in the media as well.

“It’s great to get some recognition because it means I’m doing well at Celtic. But like I say, Celtic right now is the perfect place for me. It’s a big club, we play in the Champions League, the fans are insanely good and the team is good.

“It’s a perfect place to be, and I also think it’s a good place to be if I want to go to the World Cup with Denmark.”

O’Riley had four Denmark Under-21 caps since earning a maiden call-up in March and is now hoping to force his way into the senior setup in time to make the trip to Qatar in November.