Football Insider is at it again, with another “exclusive”. Apparently, “sources” have told them Celtic are open to selling Matt O’Riley
Eric Knott 
Well, well, well.
Today, that most reputable of sites, Football Insider, has all of the “exclusive” news on Matt O’Riley’s impending move away from the club.
You will note that not one single outlet in the SMSM is running with this story.
But Football Insider has “sources”.
You know?
The kind that nobody else has, not even the mainstream media.
Then, shock and horror, another reputable site is running with the story.
You’ll know the one, as I’ve mentioned it a few times before.
Here is the opening paragraph to Football Insider’s article today:
West Ham are ready to go head-to-head with European giants Atletico Madrid for Celtic playmaker Matt O’Riley, sources have told Football Insider.
The Hoops star, 23, is attracting interest in England and across the continent after his stellar performances in the Scottish Premiership this term.
Okay, firstly, if you take the time to google all West Ham related news, there is not so much as a rumour circulating about Matt O’Riley.
There are plenty of other rumours about Ryan Sessegnon, the exit of Ben Johnson, their pursuit of Raoul Bellanova, and the impending arrival of Julen Lopetegui.
But not a single mention of Matt O’Riley.
Nada.
Zero.
Zilch.
But then again, Football Insider has “sources”.
And if you have “sources”, I guess that puts you in the know, doesn’t it?
The clue is in the name of the website, I suppose…
Apparently Football Insider knows, through it’s “sources”, that Celtic are open to selling O’Riley:
Nevertheless, Celtic are open to selling the 23-year-old – who is widely regarded as the best player in Scotland – as long as their huge valuation is met.
O’Riley has notched 19 goals and 18 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this term – all of which have come as part of the starting lineup.
As long as their huge valuation is met…
Now, you’d imagine that the “sources” would know what this valuation is, wouldn’t you?
Anybody?
Anybody?
Anyone out there at all have a clue what Celtic’s valuation of Matt O’Riley is?
Football Insider knows, but they’re not willing to let us in on the secret.
I’m surprised they didn’t tell us it was £25 million, since that’s the cap for Celtic’s top performers.
They also know that Celtic are open to selling O’Riley.
Have you heard the club state this??
Have I completely missed something as big as this?
Okay, enough of the charade.
What Football Insider has published today is nothing but wild speculation.
They haven’t got a clue what Celtic’s intentions are when it comes to Matt O’Riley, and neither do I for that matter.
And I will never claim to either.
The only people right now who know exactly what’s going on in relation to Matt O’Riley, are Matt O’Riley, his agent, Brendan Rodgers, and the board.
And they sure as shit are not going to be telling Football Insider’s transfer correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, or any of their so called “sources” either.
I will admit that I’m surprised that the Record haven’t jumped on this, though.
They have previous for that.
The other “reputable” site running with this story just jumps on the bandwagon in search of clickbait, knowing full well that there’s no veracity to the story.
Not only do Football Insider know that West Ham are readying a bid for O’Riley, they also seem to know that Brighton and Everton are “plotting key reinforcements”.
Which automatically means Matt O’Riley, yeah?
That’s like adding 2 + 2, and coming up with 63.
Or 1 + 0, and coming up with 55.
Now, if you were Matt O’Riley, would any of those clubs interest you?
Especially when you already know that Atletico Madrid are interested in you?
What this will boil down to is which destination, if he chooses any of them, suits Matt O’Riley best.
It’s clear O’Riley is a smart guy.
He won’t be swayed by money, it will play a part, but O’Riley strikes you as the kind of guy who will make his choice based on what’s best for his career.
And who knows?
That could mean staying at Celtic for another season.
Either way, we won’t know anything about it until it’s very close at hand.
All the “sources” in the world will not change that.
Click here for – THE CELTIC BOARD MAY THINK THEY’RE ALMOST OFF THE HOOK, BUT WINNING DOESN’T WIPE MEMORIES, AND IT MOST DEFINITELY DOES NOT LET THEM OFF THE HOOK
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Anything with that balloon mcavennie involved in says it all. HH
Ah ,the old invisible and unnamed ‘sources ‘routine from a 5th rate posse of typists! The distinct narrative from these sites perennially is one of might’s, could’s ,maybe’s, possibles ,are about to’s bollox of the most embarrassing kind…
He is a young guy and if a big money move comes up he should grab it with both hands. Anything could happen to damage his career and his future in any game. Celtic will survive, we will get a record amount and we will go again next season. I wish Matt all the best if he decides to go. He has given us two great championship winning seasons.