West Ham are reportedly showing “strong interest” in signing Celtic star Matt O’Riley this summer, with Leicester City also believed to be in the mix.
The 23-year-old has been a stellar performer for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, proving to be the creative hub of Brendan Rodgers’ team of late.
Last season, O’Riley was a standout figure in Scottish football, registering 31 goal contributions (18 goals and 13 assists) in 37 appearances in the league, and he has been the subject of plenty of interest this summer.
It looks as though West Ham have emerged as a potential next destination for the Dane, with a new report from Caught Offside claiming that they “have shown strong interest in the midfielder”.
The same applies to newly-promoted Leicester, as they look to bolster their options ahead of their return to the Premier League, although the pair “are hesitant about meeting Celtic’s £25m asking price.”
The report still states that both teams are “prepared to make a move” and “enter negotiations”, though, as they battle for O’Riley’s signature.
The Celtic star could be an exciting addition for West Ham this summer, coming in as a potential long-term replacement for Lucas Paqueta, amid his off-field issues.
O’Riley isn’t dissimilar in style, in terms of possessing a cultured left foot and proving to be a creative influence, and Rodgers has described him as a “phenomenal” player, also saying of him:
“He is very humble, there is nothing flash about him. His peers recognise the work he puts in and the mentality that he has. They know when they sit beside him in the changing room, this is a guy that puts in absolutely everything for the team and that is obviously very much respected.”
Admittedly, O’Riley wouldn’t be coming in on the cheap, and the step up in quality from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is great, but he has the technical ability to flourish under Julen Lopetegui.
More goals and assists are needed, in terms of the Hammers being an even more imposing attacking force, and the Denmark international could add both, finding the net himself and providing opportunities for Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and others.
