West Ham are interested in signing Celtic attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley, according to The Scottish Sun.
The Denmark international has been a standout performer for the Hoops this season, having been named the club’s Player of the Year.
O’Riley has scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 48 appearances, and those numbers have attracted the attention of the Hammers’ scouts.
The Scottish Sun claim that an observer was sent to see the 23-year-old play in the last Old Firm derby against Rangers earlier this month.
They were not the only Premier League side to have a representative in the stands, though, with Brighton and Everton also keeping a close eye on O’Riley. All three teams are reportedly lining up a “big money” bid.
Celtic want a club record fee
It is believed that the Scottish champions will demand more than the £25m they received from Arsenal for Kieran Tierney in 2019. Speaking at the end of last year, former Hoops boss Neil Lennon says he expects the fee to go as high as £30m:
“I would imagine selling him will be something that Celtic will look at in the summer. He’s proven himself at the highest level, in the Champions League. He’s been the best player in Scotland this season – so you’re looking at £25m-30m for him, at least.”
What do West Ham fans need to know about O’Riley?
The midfielder was actually born in London, despite opting to play for Denmark. He came through Fulham’s youth academy before being released by the Cottagers in the summer of 2020.
O’Riley spent six months as a free agent prior to being picked up by the MK Dons. After an impressive twelve months at the League One side, Celtic snapped up the player for just £1.5m during the 2022 January transfer window. He made his international debut against Northern Ireland back in November, playing an hour in the 2-0 defeat.
