Chelsea join £20m transfer hunt for Celtic star Matt O’Riley but midfield ace has reservations about Blues move

CHELSEA have entered the race for Celtic star Matt O’Riley.

The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors with his impressive performances for the Hoops.

Several Premier League clubs are reportedly lining up to sign the Dane, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.

The Blues offered Gallagher a new contract, but he turned it down due to interest from Atletico Madrid.

Gallagher could leave for around £34m and the funds could be used to sign O’Riley.

Celtic have already rejected offers for their talisman, including a £14m bid from newly promoted Southampton.

Crystal Palace and Brighton are also long-time admirers of the midfielder.

O’Riley was also pursued by Italian team Atalanta summerbut the Premier League soccer can appeal more.

Chelsea may have to offer more than £20m plus extras to persuade Celtic to sell with boss Brendan Rodgers adamant that he will not go anywhere until the asking price is paid.

The west London side have had a busy transfer window and completed the signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for £20.7million this week.

BEST UK BOOKMAKER FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERSs

Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell could be on the verge of leaving the club, with Manchester United eyeing the left-back.

There are concerns that the left-back may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s formation, as the Italian likes to use inverted full-backs who drop back into midfield.