West Ham United could poach a Celtic player
West Ham United could poach a Celtic player

Celtic want club-record fee for West Ham United-linked Matt O'Riley as transfer update drops

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Celtic could Matt O'Riley for a club-record fee this summer, with West Ham one of the clubs interested in his signature, according to HITC.

The online source reported [28 May] that the Scottish giants are preparing to lose their goal-hungry midfielder, but will be looking for a hefty fee if he is to leave Celtic Park this summer.

The Hammers are set to face plenty of competition for O'Riley, who has notched 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, with Monaco, VfB Stuttgart, Brighton, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa all interested.

West Ham United targeting Celtic's Matt O'Riley this summer

The 23-year-old has experienced a sensational season in the Scottish Premiership, having helped the Hoops to yet another league title, pipping their Old Firm rivals Rangers.

It is easy to understand why so many clubs are interested in the former Fulham academy gem. While many will be cautious of his football being played in the Scottish leagues, he also performed in the Champions League this season.

Though Celtic dropped out of the European competition with just one victory, O'Riley was a constant performer for the Hoops, boasting three assists, and even earning himself another call-up to the Denmark national team.

West Ham are set to enter a new era under Julen Lopetegui, following David Moyes' exit at the end of the season, and the Celtic star would be a very exciting addition.

The Hammers are said to have £100million as a transfer budget this summer, which would allow them to splash some money on O'Riley if Lopetegui sees the move fit.

Of course, with the amount of interest, the club will need to battle hard for his signature, but with the summer transfer window even yet to open, they have plenty of time to put a plan together.

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