Leeds United told move for Celtic gem Matt O’Riley possible in summer transfer window
Leeds United have a chance of signing Matt O’Riley from Celtic as long as they are promoted to the Premier League, according to Paul Robinson.
Carlton Palmer recently suggested Celtic would likely consider cashing in on the goalscoring midfielder if offered between £20-25million, having previously rejected a £10m bid from Atletico Madrid.
The EFL pundit suggested Leeds are one of the clubs keeping tabs on O’Riley, who netted his 13th Scottish Premiership goal of the season in Celtic’s 3-3 draw with Rangers on Sunday (7 April).
While a move is extremely unlikely should Leeds remain a Championship club, Robinson believes a deal for O’Riley – as well as former fan favourite Kalvin Phillips – is doable if promoted.
“It depends if Leeds are in the Premier League or Championship,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News of the rumoured interest in O’Riley. “If they are still in the Championship then it’s a non-starter.
“O’Riley has been excellent for Celtic this year. I’ve seen him a few times. He’s an attacking midfielder who scores goals and he will undoubtedly attract interest from Leeds and other Premier League teams as well.
“He’s proved he can do it in the Champions League as well with Celtic and been consistent through the season. His record speaks for itself and he’d certainly be a good addition to the squad.
“I’d also love to see Kalvin Phillips back at Leeds – those rumours have started. The fact is if Leeds can afford his wages? And the truth is probably not given what he’s on at Manchester City.
“Then it’s his own personal ambition against his wages. O’Riley would be a very good deal – or two very good deals with Phillips as well if Leeds can get both over the line.”
Leeds United’s summer transfer plans
As Robinson points out, it is pretty much impossible to predict exactly what type of player Leeds will be able to attract this summer.
It goes without saying that promotion to the Premier League will allow United to attract a much higher calibre of player than if they stay in the second tier.
The club will likely already have a couple of transfer shortlists written up ready to work away on once the season ends.
And as far as midfield targets go, O’Riley should definitely be high up on the list if Leeds are indeed promoted – more so than Phillips.
The 23-year-old has 13 goals and a further 11 assists for Celtic across 31 league outings in what has been a superb campaign.
Before fans can get excited about the prospect of adding O’Riley to the squad, though, Leeds must first complete the job of earning an instant return to the top flight.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist has shared why a couple of first-team regulars exchanged words in the loss to Coventry City.
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