West Ham United ready to crank up pursuit of Celtic star Matt O’Riley after transfer mission
West Ham United are one of several Premier League clubs in the hunt for Celtic player of the year Matt O’Riley and will increase their pursuit of the star this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper reported via their website on 18 May that Brighton are leading the race for the central midfielder, with West Ham and Everton also keen on him after setting off on transfer missions to watch him play against Rangers this month.
The Hammers are expected to overhaul their squad with the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, as technical director Tim Steidten takes a more involved approach on transfers.
O’Riley was voted Celtic’s Player of the Year this season, and was nominated for the Scottish Premiership Player of the Season award which was won by Lawrence Shankland.
The Denmark midfielder has hit 18 goals and registered 13 assists as Brendan Rodgers’ side stormed to a third straight league title.
O’Riley, 23, is in high demand following his excellent campaign, as Celtic reportedly fended off a bid of up to £20m from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Would Matt O’Riley succeed at West Ham United?
We’ve often seen it down the years that players who initially struggle to break through to the upper echelons of the English game achieve such via the route of a successful stint in Scotland.
For O’Riley – who first broke into senior football with Fulham before his form at MK Dons attracted Celtic to his services – he is certainly doing just that by setting Celtic Park alight.
Make no mistake, his attacking displays from an advanced midfield position have been game-changing, and his end product has been fine-tuned excellently with the help of Rodgers.
He is the primary reason Celtic have lifted the trophy once again.
Lopetegui’s pragmatic approach could be supplemented with an exciting player like O’Riley in his ranks, and could help the squad if they are at anytime soon forced with a top offer for Mohammed Kudus.
In other West Ham news, Frank McAvennie has called on the club to bring in defensive reinforcements.
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