Leeds United are set to battle it out with Southampton to sign Matt O’Riley from Celtic before Friday’s transfer deadline passes, according to Sky Sports.
O’Riley played under Saints boss Russell Martin at MK Dons when the now-League Two outfit were yearning for promotion to England’s second tier. Martin then attempted to sign the Dane during his stint as Swansea City’s manager but to no avail.
The 22-year-old moved to Celtic as a 21-year-old in January 2022 after the Scottish giants matched MK Dons’ £1.5 million release clause and in his debut half-campaign at Celtic Park, the club lifted the Scottish Premiership title, followed up by a domestic treble last season.
Now, clubs such as Leeds United and Southampton are hoping the young midfielder will return to English football but O’Riley certainly won’t come cheaply.
The Daily Echo reported back in July that the Hoops had slapped a £12 million price tag on O’Riley’s back, meaning he will be quite an expensive acquisition for a side in the Championship. This price may even have increased given how little time is remaining in the transfer window.
Leeds United have been in pursuit of a midfielder these past few weeks. Head coach Daniel Farke was keen to sign Norwich City star Kenny McLean whom he worked with during his time as manager at Carrow Road but the Canaries are not willing to allow the Scotland international to leave.
Summer signing Ethan Ampadu and youngster Archie Gray have formed an unlikely partnership in the middle of the park but Farke is looking to add a little more quality before the window closes with the potential purchase of O’Riley.
Writer’s View
With just three days remaining in the transfer window, it is unlikely that Celtic will sell O’Riley given how little time will be left to find a replacement for the Danish U21 international.
However, if the Scottish champions were to agree to a sale, the fee offered would have to be at least eight figures for them to even consider it.
