Leeds United make £10m bid for Matt O’Riley transfer, Celtic respond – Sky Sports
Celtic have rejected a £10million offer from Leeds United for midfielder Matt O’Riley, and have reiterated that he is not for sale, according to Sky Sports.
The sports news outlet shared via their transfer blog [31 August, 18:33] that Leeds had made an approach earlier this week, but Celtic are determined to keep hold of their star man as the window approaches its end.
The Championship club have confirmed the signing of Werder Bremen midfielder Ilia Gruev and are closing in on a deal for Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, but remain keen on bringing in a third midfielder in the coming hours, it seems.
Leeds pushing to get deals done
It was a slow start to the transfer window at Elland Road, but Leeds have accelerated their efforts to bring in a number of new players before the window closes, with the Celtic man one of their main priorities as they look to offer Daniel Farke more midfield depth.
The Yorkshire club began the season with a pairing of Ethan Ampadu and 17-year-old Archie Gray in midfield, which didn’t disappoint, but it has been clear that further additions to the midfield were needed, and that became the priority at Elland Road.
They have also been keen on a move for Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean [Darren Witcoop, 30 August] who previously played under Farke in the Premier League, but O’Riley is the preferred option. At just 22 years old, he has plenty to offer Leeds with a long-term view for him.
O’Riley has been excellent for Celtic so far this season, scoring two goals and assisting one in their three games so far from midfield. Last season, he made 33 appearances and provided 11 assists, in a glimpse of the talent he could display at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, a late exit for a Leeds forward is now on the cards.