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Celtic ‘reject transfer approach for star player from RUSSIAN club’ amid concerns over Ukraine war
The Hoops refused to enter discussions before a fee was even tabled
BRENDAN RODGERS faces a fight to hold onto his star players this summer.
Celtic have already booted out a transfer approach for Matt O'Riley after Italian side Atalanta jumped to the front of the queue to sign him this week.
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The Serie A side are expected to test the Hoops' resolve again with an improved offer though as manager Gian Piero Gasperini aims to fend off rivals in the transfer race.
O'Riley, 23, also has interest from clubs in England and Spain as well as other teams in Italy.
But Celtic are standing firm and won't let their prized asset leave on the cheap.
The Danish star isn't the only Celtic player who is being targeted in a summer move though.
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Team-mate and fellow midfielder Reo Hatate has also been the subject of interest, with one club even launching an approach for the Japanese playmaker this week.
The Daily Mail claim that the 26-year-old had been targeted by an unnamed club in RUSSIA in a shock swoop.
But the Hoops weren't interested and refused to enter talks with the team before a fee was even discussed.
Clubs across Europe have been reluctant to enter transfer talks with Russian clubs following the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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Russia has been banned from international football since then while Uefa, have refused to allow clubs in the Russian Premier League in continental competitions.
Several clubs from across Europe have since did business with Russian teams despite ethical and legal concerns.
Moment Celtic star Kyogo joins Paddington Bear on pitch during return to his old club in Japan
However, Celtic are not willing to get involved with any team from the country.
Hatate has been a key player for the Hoops since his move to Glasgow two-and-a-half years ago.
He hit the ground running under Ange Postecoglou when he initally headed to Scotland, but he found game time hard to come by last season with Rodgers at the helm.
And speaking to Japanese media this week, Hatate hinted that he could move on in the near future as he expressed his desire to play in one of Europe's top leagues at one point in his career.
"‘There are still higher leagues so, if I can challenge for those leagues, I want to do so.
"Unless I aim for that, there is no point in me continuing as an athlete. I want to keep aiming high. I would like to play in the Premier League, as well as Spain or Italy."
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