Celtic expect fresh January interest in Leeds United target Matt O’Riley
Leeds United are reported to have had a £10million offer knocked back by Celtic for midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer [Anthony Joseph], but they may well have better luck in January if they make a fresh approach.
According to Sky Sports [25 September], Celtic are expecting further interest from clubs across Europe when the transfer window reopens in a little over three months’ time.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds are still as interested in O’Riley as they were this time last month, having brought in fellow central midfielders Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev shortly before the summer window closed.
Celtic were in a position of strength at the time as the 22-year-old is under contract until 2026, and there was talk of a new deal possibly being agreed.
However, while Sky Sports suggest negotiations have been ongoing over fresh terms, nothing has been agreed as of yet.
That may well tempt Leeds to go back in for the Denmark U21 international early in the new year, at which point they will hope to be firmly in the Championship promotion picture.
Given O’Riley has pushed on in the early stages of the season with four goals and two assists in six Scottish Premiership matches, it is fair to say Celtic will not budge on their valuation – whatever that may be.
But if the player shows no indication he is willing to sign a new deal, and if Leeds can dangle the carrot that is Premier League football, this may well be a deal worth exploring once again in January.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have a battle of their own on their hands in terms of keeping a key player at the club in January.