Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club have rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid for midfielder Matt O'Riley.

Rodgers stated last week that he was unaware of reported interest in the 23-year-old, who has also been linked with Girona and Inter Milan.

Sky Sports News claims that Atletico have submitted an initial loan offer for O'Riley plus an obligation to buy in the summer.

The Sun, meanwhile, reports that the bid includes a loan fee as well as further instalments beyond that which could rise to £20m.

In response to the reports, Rodgers has since revealed that Celtic have rejected an offer from Atletico and insists that the midfielder will not be leaving the club this month.

"There was [an offer] but Matt is a player we don't want to lose and he won't be going anywhere in January," Rodgers told reporters on Thursday.

"It's a great testament to him and what the club can do for a player. He won his first international cap this season and Atletico Madrid are a big club in European football.

"He is very much part of what we are doing. He has been a joy to work with."

Rodgers has revealed that he has spoken directly to O'Riley following Atletico's bid, and was informed by the midfielder that he is keen to continue his development with the Glaswegian giants.

"I had a chat with Matt this morning," the Northern Irishman added. "One of the things I've always been impressed with is Matt's mentality. How he approaches his profession and obviously the respect he has here for Celtic.

"We had an opportunity in the summer but he was happy to extend (his contract) here, which is great. Atletico Madrid is a big club but he obviously knows he's in a great place here.

"He's really kicked on this season in his progression and he wants to continue with that.

"For us, we've got no want to sell, we've got no need to, and he'll be here for the second half of the season."

O'Riley, who penned a new contract with Celtic in September last year that runs until the summer of 2027, has elevated his game to new heights with the Hoops this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists in 29 games across all competitions.

"You have a value of the player, certainly what has come in for Matt in the time I've been here is nowhere near the valuation and quality of player that he is," Rodgers added.

"Even if it was, we're in a position where we don't want to sell. It's great. It shows you that players are developing and a club like Atletico Madrid coming in for you shows you that you're doing something right."

O'Riley, formerly of MK Dons, was handed his first international cap for Denmark at the end of last year and has since helped Celtic consolidate their place at the Scottish Premiership summit, with the Hoops sitting five points clear of rivals Rangers. body check tags ::