Fabian Hurzeler wasn’t giving much away when asked about the potential signing of Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley, who is believed to be nearing a high-profile move to Brighton.
The talented 23-year-old is set to leave the Scottish Premiership champions in the coming days, with a £30 million deal poised to break the Scottish transfer record. O'Riley is reported to have flown down south and is expected to sign a five-year contract at the AMEX Stadium.
Following Brighton's 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday, Hurzeler was questioned about the transfer but remained tight-lipped, adding to the speculation surrounding O'Riley's imminent arrival.
"Let's see what happens,” a smiling Brighton boss told TNT Sports.
"I won't talk about players who are not signed yet. I won't talk about them in public. I think it is important that every player knows the plans with them to give them transparency, but it's not for the public.“
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Celtic captain Callum McGregor praised O’Riley’s attitude surrounding the mood while lauding the Danish internationalist for the way he’s continued to conduct himself.
“To be honest he’s been great,” McGregor said. “Obviously I am here for him if he needs that, I have said that to him as well.
“I don’t want to get involved and try to influence him either way. I don’t want him to think I’ve got an agenda either way.
“He’s been fantastic for us. I am here to help him if he needs any help, we have had a couple of chats but to be honest he’s been fantastic with the way he has dealt with it, treated everybody with respect, and the way that he has trained and played has shown that as well.
“Whatever happens will happen and he can hold his head high because of the way that he has conducted himself for sure.”
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