Sources: West Ham set sights on Celtic star Matt O’Riley
West Ham are keeping close tabs on Celtic star Matt O’Riley, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons have sent scouts to regularly watch the 23-year-old playmaker in action this season including in most of the Hoops’ Champions League group stage matches.
Their talent spotters watched O’Riley deliver a fine display in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Feyenoord a fortnight ago (13 December) when he supplied his eighth assist of the campaign.
He is now being closely watched by Premier League clubs as well as by many sides across Europe following his impactful outings for the Scottish giants.
O’Riley is regarded by many observers as Celtic’s prize asset and their next player capable of securing a big-money sale following the departures of Kieran Tierney, Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard in recent years.
The central midfielder has notched nine goals and eight assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season.
The Danish international moved to Celtic Park for £1.5million from MK Dons in the winter of 2022, but Brendan Rodgers’ side would expect to make a huge profit on any sale.
West Ham recruited heavily and successfully in the midfield during the summer, bringing in Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse – all of whom have contributed to the Hammers’ success this season.
Since swapping the Buckinghamshire side for Celtic, O’Riley has contributed 17 goals and 24 assists across 97 appearances in all competitions.
David Moyes’ side sit sixth in the Premier League table after their 2-0 victory against Man United on Saturday (23 December) and next face Arsenal away on Thursday (28 December).
Meanwhile, Celtic got back to winning ways against Livingston after back-to-back league defeats and will travel to Dundee on Boxing Day in their bid to remain at the top of the table.
In other news, Sources: West Ham set sights on Eddie Nketiah after £40m bid update.