According to reports, Celtic is refusing to budge on the cost of O’Riley. Would you like Football Scotland’s most recent news about Celtic FC delivered directly to your inbox? Get our daily email by subscribing.
According to reports, Southampton is prepared to make a play for Matt O’Riley, and Celtic has stated their asking price.
After Atletico Madrid’s January £20 million plus add-on raid failed, numerous teams are keeping an eye on the Hoops’ standout player from the previous campaign. Many English teams are rumored to be interested, including Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, but Saints joined the contest upon their return to the Premier League.
Their manager, Russell Martin, is a former Scotland international who worked with the 23-year-old at MK Dons prior to his major move to Parkhead. Martin is eager for a reunion.
According to The Times, the south coast side is now prepared to make a move for the player. The source adds that Celtic wants to part ways with the goal-scoring midfield player for £30 million.
It’s stated that price is not negotiable. Should Southampton reach that amount, it would be the most ever sold for a Scottish team, surpassing the £25 million the Hoops got from Al-Ittihad for Jota the previous season and from Arsenal for Kieran Tierney before that.
It is believed that this price would not deter the recently promoted Premier League team, who now have access to substantial funding as a result of their promotion. After a stellar season in which he finished with 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions, O’Riley now has 27 goals and 34 assists in a Celtics uniform.
