Defiant John Hartson reckons Matt O'Riley is just as good a player as Leicester star James Maddison as he pitched a bumper asking price for the Celtic standout.
Newcastle have been chasing England cap Maddison this summer but have been shut down by Brendan Rodgers with their second bid for the 25-year-old kicked out. Reports suggest a fee of just over £40million has been knocked back by the former English Premier League champions with their valuation of Maddison at around £60million, as they look to make a tidy profit on the player they snapped up for £24m from Norwich in June 2018.
The negotiations come amid reports that Leicester are interested in Hoops' midfielder O'Riley as a potential replacement should they cash-in on Maddison. The Denmark U21 international insists he is focused on life in Glasgow's east end as he looks forward to a dream Champions League campaign.
Former Celtic hero Hartson insists it would take big money to tempt the Parkhead chiefs to sell O'Riley who joined from MK Dons in January this year for just £1.5million. The Welshman argues that Maddison's valuation is simply based on playing in the English top flight.
When asked about the prospect of Celtic selling O'Riley to the Foxes, Hartson said: "Well, listen, Celtic might look at it if it was £50million. Is he any better than O'Riley, Maddison?
"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.
"(He is massive to) 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."
Hartson added: “Maddison is £50m and O’Riley £12m? 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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