Southampton and Leeds United are both interested in signing Matt O’Riley from Celtic as they look to bolster their squads in the closing days of the transfer window.
A Denmark under 21s international, O’Riley has six caps and two goals for his national team.
Signed by Celtic, from MK Dons, in 2022 for a fee just under £2 million.
he has gone onto make 78 appearances for the Scottish Premier League champions.
In his time in Glasgow he was won everything in Scottish football. Two Premierships, a Scottish Cup and a League Cup.
All this in a season and a half in paradise.
Last season he scored four goals and 14 assists as he won the treble.
Saints boss Russell Martin worked with the Dane in Milton Keynes, and could be set for a reunion.
Should Southampton sign Matt O’Riley?
He is a box to box midfielder in its purest form.
Going forward, O’Riley is top class when it comes to picking out teammates with line breaking passes.
Both long and short passes are in his repertoire, allowing him to rack up assists with ease.
He also is in the top 12% in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty xG for a midfielder.
Driving forward with the ball comes naturally to the Danish international.
Five progressive carries per game, on average, this will drive his team forward at every chance.
Going the other way he is adept at everything you could want from a defensive midfielder.
Over three tackles, two interceptions and a block per 90 puts him up there for defensive actions across Europe.
James Ward-Prowse is gone and Will Smallbone injured for a month so depth is needed.
O’Riley would be a top signing to improve the midfield and add quality to the squad.
It is unclear how much he could cost, if a deal in the region of £15 million can be agreed that would represent great value.