One of Southampton’s main transfer targets this summer is ‘open’ to a move with the club set for a return to the Premier League.
Manager Russell Martin knows there is plenty of work to do between now and the start of the season to get top flight ready.
Following the confirmation of his new contract on Tuesday, exclusively reported by Southampton FC News, Martin put the returning Southampton players through their paces as they started pre-season on Wednesday.
There were some new faces amongst the group, with summer signings Adam Lallana, Charlie Taylor and Ronnie Edwards all involved, but now Martin could be a key factor is securing a marquee signing.
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Celtic’s Matt O’Riley ‘open’ to Southampton move this summer
Southampton are very much interested in signing attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley from Celtic this summer in a bid to take them to the next level.
With 37 goal contributions in 49 games for the Scottish champions last season, it is not hard to see why.
As reported earlier this week, the Saints have made an opening £20 million bid for the 23-year-old but Celtic are expected to demand closer to the £30 million mark.
Martin previously managed O’Riley in his first job at MK Dons and it is now being reported that this could be a key factor in convincing the midfielder to make the move south.
According to GiveMeSport: ‘O’Riley is open to embarking on a fresh challenge with Southampton as he already has a good relationship with Martin’.
The other positive indication is that the report states that ‘the interest from St Mary’s has coincided with their target seriously considering swapping Celtic for a chance to test himself in the Premier League’.
Southampton could splash the cash to secure O’Riley
So far in the transfer window Southampton have been focusing on low-cost business.
Both Lallana and Taylor have arrived for free following the expiration of their contracts, whilst Edwards cost just £3 million from Peterborough United.
The club are also looking to secure deals for out of contract Saman Ghoddos and Newcastle United’s Ryan Fraser; with Newcastle potentially facilitating Fraser’s move by terminating his contract.
However, Martin could be set to secure his first big money signing of the summer if Southampton are able to convince Celtic to sell.
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Having bought the Dane for just £1.5 million from MK Dons in January 2022, Celtic are expected to flip a huge profit if they are to sell O’Riley.
If his creativity and goals keep Southampton in the Premier League, he will be worth every penny.