Southampton’s pursuit of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley looks set to be the transfer saga of the summer at St Mary’s.
Russell Martin is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of Southampton kicking off their Premier League campaign away at Newcastle United on August 17.
One player who would certainly help with that is Matt O’Riley, with the Celtic star registering a massive 37 goal contributions in all competitions last season.
With Stuart Armstrong having left the Saints following the end of his contract earlier this summer and new arrival Adam Lallana yet to feature in pre-season, Southampton fans are desperate to see their side add attacking quality imminently.
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Martin hopes that his time managing O’Riley at MK Dons will hand Southampton an edge their efforts to secure O’Riley’s services this summer, but interest from the likes of Chelsea and Atalanta means Celtic are under no pressure to sell for less than their valuation.
Southampton offer £18 million plus add-ons for Matt O’Riley
So far, Southampton’s only two big money signings have been Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes; both of whom were on loan at the club last season and joined for £20 million and £18 million respectively.
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It is anticipated that the Saint should have to bypass both of those fees to sign O’Riley this summer given the intense interest in the 23-year-old.
Now, details of Southampton’s offer to Celtic have been revealed, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing via his Patreon that the Saints have “gone in with an offer of £18 million plus extras and are working on the transfer at an owner to owner level.”
That offer would take Southampton’s summer spending over the £55 million mark, but it may not be enough to convince Celtic to sell with Brendan Rodgers’ side undoubtedly feeling they can secure more for O’Riley’s services.
Brighton preparing to outbid Southampton for O’Riley
Chelsea’s decision to sell Conor Gallagher could see the Stamford Bridge club make a move for O’Riley, whilst Europa League winners Atalanta remain interested.
However, it is perhaps Brighton who are currently providing Southampton with the fiercest competition for the Dane’s signature.
That is because Nixon has also revealed that Brighton are “ready to offer £25 million plus extras” for O’Riley.
Nixon goes on to claim: “The Seagulls have been chasing the goalscoring Danish international since May and are now close to hitting a figure that the Glasgow giants accept.
“And Brighton hope that O’Riley will fancy joining them despite a bid from his old boss Russell Martin at Southampton.”
This is bad news for Southampton, as the fee offered by Brighton is a significant increase on Saints’ bid.
With Celtic anticipated to give Brighton’s offer serious consideration, Southampton may have to act decisively if they are to secure their primary attacking target this summer.