Celtic star Matt O’Riley given bumper transfer tag by John Hartson as Hoops hero makes James Maddison comparison
JOHN HARTSON insists Celtic CAN'T sell midfielder Matt O'Riley to Leicester this transfer window.
The Hoops playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League club with James Maddison exit looking increasingly likely.
Newcastle have had two bids rejected for the Englishman, with them offering around £40m for his services.
Brendan Rodgers' side are reportedly holding out for around £50m for Maddison and O'Riley has been tipped to replace him should he leave Leicester this summer.
But Hartson believes Celtic shouldn't listen to any lowball offers for their January signing, if Maddison is raking in such a huge fee.
He told Go Radio: "Well, listen, Celtic might look at it if it was £50million. Is he any better than O'Riley, Maddison?
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"What is the difference? O'Riley does fantastic things on the ball. Maddison has had a little bit more experience of the Premier League.
"Let's not forget that Maddison has improved massively since he was up at Aberdeen a few years back.
"All of a sudden he goes to Leicester in the Premier League, does that then make him worth 10 times what a player that is playing in the Scottish Premiership is worth?
"O'Riley is massive to Ange Postecoglou and the Celtic teams plans going forward.
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"(He plays an important role in) the four fronts and four trophies that Celtic will compete for. I'm just making a point, if O'Riley is £4-£5million, what makes Maddison £50million or more? Leicester have got to come and pay top dollar."
The Celtic hero insists Ange Postecoglou and his team should only consider an offer of around £20m for O'Riley.
He added: “Celtic don’t need to take the money. I’m not saying £50m for him but you’re looking at £18m or £20m.
“Matt O’Riley is different class and he’s going to get better. He’s a wonderful player.”
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