Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley may be the subject to near-constant transfer speculation at the moment, but his countryman Kasper Schmeichel would love for him to stay put.
After a stellar season last term, the 23-year-old midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs in recent weeks from the likes of Liverpool to Atalanta and Juventus. Schmeichel, however, is very clear on his message to the fellow Dane.
"I’m trying everything, trust me!" said Schmeichel. "I’m trying everything to make him stay. But he’s not given anything away yet.
"He’s a top quality player. It’s always difficult with national teams as you meet, have matchday -1, game day, recovery and then you go again.
"Having seen him every day here… what a player!"
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O'Riley's top performances last season earned him an impressive trophy haul at Celtic's own awards ceremony last year, with the midfielder picking up Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Players' Player of the Year.
In January, it was reported that the likes of Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid were interested in acquiring the Dane's services on loan, but, after conversations with Brendan Rodgers, decided to remain at Celtic and help them clinch last campaign's traditional league and Scottish Cup double.
Schmeichel added: "From what I know of Matt, he’s a very level-headed guy with great parents behind him helping him with whatever decisions. What I do know is that he does love playing here and he has loved his time here.
"And whether it’s now – or hopefully later – then no matter what, Celtic means a great deal to him. For me, I hope he stays. And I’m doing everything I can to convince him."
