Irons in Two-Way Battle For Celtic Star

West Ham United are reportedly in a two-way battle with Southampton to sign Celtic star Matt O’Riley.

The midfielder has been impressing in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists from central midfield under Brendan Rodgers.O’Riley’s exceptional form has attracted interest from various clubs, with West Ham and Southampton leading the chase. The Hammers are looking to strengthen their midfield further, despite appearances suggesting they are well-stocked in the area. Julen Lopetegui’s pursuit of Aleix Garcia and doubts about Tomas Soucek’s suitability in his tactical setup suggest that the acquisition of another midfielder is not as ridiculous as it seems.West Ham’s interest in O’Riley is not surprising, given his impressive stats and age.

He has a lot to offer and could complement Paqueta and Alvarez in a midfield three very well. Moreover, he is available for a reasonable price, which could make him an attractive option for the Hammers.However, Celtic are likely to demand a significant fee for O’Riley’s services, with reports suggesting £33 million as a starting point. Additionally, the midfielder’s ambition and desire to play at the highest level may mean that he is looking for a move to a bigger club, which could price West Ham out of the market.The transfer saga is complex, with rumors suggesting that West Ham might be willing to offload Flynn Downes to Southampton for a fee between £12-15 million.

This could evolve into a three-way transfer saga, with O’Riley’s future hanging in the balance.Fans are divided on the potential signing, with some believing O’Riley has the attributes to be a brilliant Premier League player, while others think he will stay at Celtic for another season unless Athletico Madrid come back with an improved offer.One thing is certain, however – Matt O’Riley is a talented midfielder who has the potential to make a significant impact in the Premier League. West Ham United’s pursuit of him is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad, and the transfer saga will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.