REPORT: Celtic star to Leeds United trade wins ringing praise, but huge fee can only be spent under one condition.

Leeds United interest has now been mooted in some quarters, although they are currently in the Championship, while O’Riley could have Champions League football come next season if he stuck about at Celtic. Former England international Carlton Palmer reckons a bumper £25m deal could be done if Leeds return to the Premier League.

He told Football League World: “Leeds United are among several clubs chasing the signature of Celtic’s midfield player Matt O’Riley. Leeds were linked with a summer move for O’Riley, making several bids for the player, believed to be around £10 million, that Celtic turned down.

“He’s attracting attention from home and abroad. Atletico Madrid apparently had a bid turned down in January of £10 million, and the likes of Brentford and Brighton are looking at him.

“Matt has had a fantastic time at Celtic, the 23-year-old is having a fantastic season with 26 goal contributions, he’s played in the Champions League and he’s also made his debut for his country. We’ll have to wait and see, this could be a fantastic signing for Leeds United if they get promoted to the Premier League, but I think it’s going to cost a lot of money.

“As previously stated, Celtic turned down a £10 million bid from Atletico Madrid, and Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants the player to remain. The player is competing in the Champions League and doing well.

“So, to get him out of the football club, a fee of around £25 million has been proposed, but at the age of 23, he’d be an excellent signing for Leeds if they were promoted to the Premier League. He would be a terrific addition if they could get him, but Celtic will undoubtedly want to keep him.”