Matt O'Riley Brighton transfer imminent as Celtic star close to record-breaking exit

Brighton are on the verge of completing the signing of Celtic star Matt O'Riley.

The Seagulls have made the Denmark international their top priority as they continue their summer spending spree. It's believed Celts are set to rake in a record-breaking fee north of £25million for the classy playmaker, who may well have played his final game for the club.

The Parkhead side rebuffed multiple offers from Europa League winners Atalanta earlier in the window as they stood firm on their valuation. But it's understood an agreement in principle has now been struck and O'Riley will soon become Brighton's latest signing, with personal terms verbally agreed.

O'Riley - who was pictured training at Lennoxtown today - hasn't allowed the speculation to affect his form after a promising start to the season. Brendan Rodgers and captain Callum McGregor lauded the midfielder's professionalism and attitude.

O'Riley has never pushed for an exit, even when Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid had a bid knocked back in January and has remained fully focused and committed to the Scottish champions. But the ex-MK Dons star - who joined for a bargain £1.5m two-and-a-half years ago - now looks set to return south in a mega-bucks deal.