Journalist Dean Jones has said that Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, who is rumoured to be on Ange Postecoglou’s wishlist, is ready to make a move to the Premier League, with Southampton now expected to make an approach for him.
Postecoglou was the man who took O’Riley to Celtic in January of 2022, with the midfielder going from strength to strength over the last 18 months at Parkhead.
It was revealed by GiveMeSport earlier this month that the Aussie coach now wants to reunite with the 23-year-old at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The report claimed the Hammers have also set their sights on the Celtic star, with the two London clubs potentially set to battle it out for the player.
The publication asserted that the Denmark international will be willing to listen to any proposals that come his way this summer but he will not agitate to leave Parkhead this summer.
Matt O’Riley wants Premier League move amid Spurs links
However, Jones has now revealed that O’Riley has made up his mind to leave the Scottish giants and is ready to make the jump to the Premier League.
He added that the Saints are now plotting a move for the midfielder after winning promotion via the playoffs.
The journalist told Ranks FC Ultras Podcast: “I expect them to try and sign Matt O’Riley from Celtic. I think he will be high on their radar, he’s someone Russell Martin already knows.
“I spoke to someone before who said that if Southampton are promoted that’s the man they want. I think he would prefer to stay in the Premier League, I think he wants to take that step up if he’s to leave Celtic.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I suspect the O’Riley speculation is purely because of the Postecoglou factor. I doubt the Celtic star would be anywhere near the top of Tottenham’s midfielder wishlist for the summer transfer window.