BBC reporter tells Celtic ‘to get on with it’ to sell Matt O’Riley to Southampton

“O’Riley is happy to come to Saints and I think Celtic need to get on with it,” Blackmore said.

The comment comes after Brighton were reported to be preparing a bid worth over £25m for the midfielder. They seem to be serious about securing him for the upcoming Premier League season, but that doesn’t mean that other clubs are disheartened.

Southampton are rumoured to still be in talks with Celtic over a possible deal, with Atalanta ready to come back after having several bids rejected so far.

Chelsea were also rumoured to be in the race to sign the Dane as a replacement for Conor Gallagher, but are now said to have pulled out, while West Ham and Leicester City have also been credited with an interest in the Celtic star.

O’Riley impressed clubs all over the world after his impressive campaign under Brendan Rodgers last season. With 19 goals and 17 assists in all competitions, it came as no surprise that the Scottish champions were reluctant to let him go, demanding a record-breaking fee for his services.

The Dane is contracted to the Celts until 2027, leaving them in the perfect position to hold out for a £25m+ bid.

Southampton may look to match Brighton as they reportedly begin their search for a creative midfielder. It is said that the manager believes O’Riley could be the final piece in the Southampton puzzle as they return to the Premier League.

So now all that’s left is to see if Celtic will “get on with it”…

Meanwhile, Celtic turn their attention to a 16-year-old wonderkid wanted by Manchester City.

Jessica Elliott