Hammers chase rising Celtic star
West Ham are actively pursuing a deal to sign Celtic’s Matt O’Riley.
According to Sky Sports News, a few days before the summer transfer window closed, both Leeds and Southampton expressed interest in acquiring the English-born player. The Glasgow giants, however, are not eager to part ways with the 23-year-old, who recently extended his contract for another four years in the summer.
Hammers chase rising star Matt O’Riley
The midfielder has been in outstanding form for Celtic this season, boasting nine goals and eight assists in 24 appearances so far. Having joined Celtic in January 2022 from MK Dons for £1.6 million, O’Riley has excelled in both European and domestic competitions.
West Ham currently face a shortage of options in midfield, with manager David Moyes appearing reluctant to utilize Conor Coventry under any circumstances. The Hammers gaffer has relied heavily on Edson Alvarez, James Ward Prowse and Tomas Soucek.
Given Alvarez’s importance it may be more prudent to buy a back-up defensive midfielder rather than the box to box O’Riley.