Celtic response emerges as Leeds United and Southampton race for Matt O’Riley transfer after bid rejected
Celtic are “adamant” they won’t let Matt O’Riley leave before the deadline amid late interest from Leeds United, according to the Daily Record.
The Scottish paper reported via their website late on Tuesday night (29 August) that the SPFL champions haven’t yet received a bid from Elland Road for the Danish midfielder and, having already “bounced out” an offer from Bologna, view him as “not for sale”.
Sky Sports reported earlier on Tuesday evening that the Whites were interested in the 22-year-old as one of a “number of players” they want to sign before the deadline, with Southampton also in the running.
Central midfield remains a priority for Daniel Farke, who saw a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri collapse once more after the German travelled to England [The Athletic, 29 August] following a series of surprising turns, and has a deal for Glen Kamara at Rangers on the brink, among other bids.
Tester
Leeds United aren’t short of midfield targets in the final days of the window, with Ao Tanaka at Fortuna Dusseldorf and Kenny McLean at Norwich [Sky Sports, 28 August] also subject to offers.
But until they seal a new deal they are currently still very short of actual options at Elland Road, with Ethan Amapadu and Archie Gray once again having to start the penalty shootout defeat to Salford City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
With only Darko Gyabi a recognised central midfielder behind them since all the options from the previous season left the club are going to need to get one or two of these moves over the line sharply.
The prospect of pairing new midfielders from either side of the Old Firm divide is notable although it looks like Celtic are far less willing to part with O’Riley than their Glasgow rivals are to let Kamara leave.
A flurry of late activity was certainly required at Elland Road, and while the big-money deal to land Joel Piroe is likely the headline move of the window whatever happens now the club need to get moving to wrap up some more moves.
Money talks so a hefty offer may convince Brendan Rodgers’ side to part with O’Riley, but for now it appears a tougher pursuit than some of the alternatives.
In other Leeds United news, a Premier League club want to sell their misfit ace who the Whites want to sign before the deadline.