Russell Martin has provided the update Southampton fans have been waiting for on the pursuit of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.
Southampton have been busy in the transfer window this summer, with Russell Martin making eight first-team signings.
They have spent over £55 million in the process in a bid to assemble a squad capable of staying in the Premier League this season.
However, the two big fees within that total – £18 million and £20 million – have been for Flynn Downes and Taylor Harwood-Bellis; both of whom were at the club last season.
With that in mind, you could argue over whether Southampton have actually improved their starting XI when compared with last season with just days before the Premier League season kicks off against Newcastle United.
One player that would certainly add much-needed star quality is Matt O’Riley and Martin has now provided an update on Southampton’s pursuit of the Celtic man.
Russell Martin gives damning verdict on Southampton’s Matt O’Riley chances
Martin worked with O’Riley in his first managerial role at MK Dons.
Martin departed for Swansea City before O’Riley sealed a £1.5 million move to Celtic six months later in January 2022.
The Saints boss is very keen on a reunion, with Southampton making their desire clear to Celtic with a bid, but they face plenty of competition for the signature of the man that registered 37 goal contributions last season.
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That competition is driving up O’Riley’s price and Martin has now updated supporters on the latest situation regarding the club’s attempts to sign the attacking midfielder.
That is according to TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who had the opportunity to interview Martin on Wednesday afternoon and revealed the 38-year-old told him that Southampton are “not in the race right now” for O’Riley.
Martin may be bluffing over Southampton pursuit of O’Riley
Celtic are in the privileged position of having a wealth of interested parties in their asset this summer.
Europa League winners Atalanta have so far seen four bids rejected, whilst Southampton and Brighton both retain strong interest in the 23-year-old.
The Glasgow club are thought to be holding out for a fee of around £30 million, which would be a record fee for a player from the SPL as well as Southampton’s own transfer record.
Whether the club will be able to part with that kind of money remains to be seen, but if Martin is going to break the bank for any target it could well be O’Riley.
Southampton fans will be disappointed by Martin’s update, but will hope it is a case of their manager being reluctant to show his hand.