Matt O'Riley Southampton transfer bid incoming but Celtic could hold firm

Celtic are braced for a £20million-plus bid from Southampton for star man Matt O'Riley.

O'Riley, 23, has attracted major interest over the last 12 months and could leave Parkhead this summer. And Premier League new boys Saints are ready to test Celts' resolve with a potentially record-breaking Scottish transfer sale. The mega-rich Hoops are in no rush to sell their key asset with more than £70million currently in the bank and are in a strong negotiating position, with O'Riley under contract until 2027.

It was reported last week that the Double-winners had slapped a £30m price tag on O'Riley's head, which would eclipse Kieran Tierney's record £25m sale to Arsenal. But the Daily Record claims that Southampton are prepared to stump up £20m with future add-ons, including incentives if the St Mary's side avoid relegation.

Southampton boss Russell Martin knows O'Riley well having worked with the Denmark international at MK Dons. However, it remains to be seen whether Saints' initial offer will be enough to tempt Celtic into selling, with some of Europe's powerhouses also interested.

Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers of O'Riley and had an offer booted out in January. The Spanish giants could reignite their interest in the coming weeks, while Italian champions Inter Milan have also been heavily linked.