Brendan Rodgers has opened up on transfer interest in Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley and also given an update on the Dane's contractual situation.
The Scottish champions rejected a £10million bid from English Champions side Leeds United over the summer.
And Rodgers made clear he is keen to keep the 22-year-old for as long as possible.
When asked about interest from down south, he said: "It was an open conversation, and that’s what I’ve always had here with Michael Nicholson and the guys.
“I didn’t think we could afford to lose another starter and the club were very supportive on that.
"They were great. We had obviously lost Carl Starfelt and lost Jota, and we knew Cameron Carter-Vickers was going to be out for a while.
"I didn’t feel we could lose another one. But of course, that’s all on the player as well.
“If the player really wants to move, then I’m also a believer that if he doesn’t want to be here then don’t be here.
“I’ve got experience of that where you think you can keep them for another year. But they are not the same player if they really want to go.
READ MORE: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers responds to Duncan Ferguson loan claim
"I never got that feeling at all from Matt. He is investing his time in development. He could have left here.
"With the greatest respect, he could have earned significantly more money by leaving. But that is not everything for him."
Rodgers went on to detail how much he is enjoying working with O'Riley and that he would like the player to sign a new deal at Parkhead.
“Matt knows that I’m investing in him to help him become better. He still knows he’s got a bit to improve," he continued.
“And hopefully this part of the season is confirmation for him that I can still improve him.
"Certainly his value will increase in 12 months’ time. Of course we would love to keep him here and he still has a lot of development to go.
“But he is showing some great signs. He has a wonderful attitude and is ambitious, but ambitious for Celtic as well as himself.
"If we can tie him down for longer then all the better of course.”
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