Matt O’Riley transfer preference shared after West Ham United talks and official bid
Celtic star Matt O’Riley would prefer a move to Serie A over the Premier League and West Ham, according to HITC.
Writing on their website (11 July), the news outlet report that Italian side Atalanta had tabled an official offer for the Denmark international, but saw it rejected.
A new offer is planned [Sky Sports, 11 July], and the player would prioritise a move to Italy over the Premier League despite previously having held talks with the Hammers [HITC, 2 July].
West Ham United dealt major blow in midfield rebuild hopes
The summer transfer window at the London Stadium is expected to bring plenty of change, and so far it’s been a good start to that process.
Luis Guilherme has come in to bolster the attack, Max Kilman has strengthened the defence and Wes Foderingham has added even more competition in goal. However, the midfield remains untouched.
Flynn Downes has returned following a loan spell at Southampton, but the likelihood is he will be on his way out again with a £10m plus player deal discussed between the two clubs recently [talkSPORT, 10 July].
With Tomas Soucek, James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez the only natural central midfield options in the squad, O’Riley would have been able to provide great competition for those positions and also a real threat in the final third after 19 goals and 18 assists last season for Celtic.
But it seems the lack of European football may be a killer blow as he eyes a move to the current Europa League holders, and the Hammers will now have to find an alternative option for a key position as time ticks away before the start of the season.
In other West Ham news, Stan Collymore has praised the board after a fresh transfer development.
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