Southampton fans boosted by O'Riley transfer news, but Saints face competition

Southampton's bid for Denmark midfielder Matt O'Riley has received some positive news, but a deal for the 23-year-old Celtic star is far from a formality.

O'Riley has been on the target list for Saints all summer, with coach Russell Martin keen to be reunited with the player, who he worked with when he was in charge at MK Dons.

Southampton have reportedly already made contact with Celtic and the player himself, and their hopes of securing his signature appear to have been boosted by his willingness to accept personal terms in the region of what the English club are prepared to pay.

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However, the newly promoted Premier League side are not the only interested party and rumored interest from Atalanta in Serie A could yet scupper the deal.

The Italian team have been touted as the frontrunners for his signature, although as yet no club has been able to match the asking price that Celtic have demanded.

That is thought to be in excess of £20million ($25.7m).

Southampton fans react to O'Riley update

News of the latest development comes from Saints journalist Alfie House , who revealed on X (Twitter) that personal terms should not prove a stumbling block to any potential deal.

And despite the Southampton Echo reporter stressing that a move was still a long way from being done, that has not stopped some Saints fans from getting excited, with one simply replying "Massive!".

It's expected that the club will now return with an offer above their initial £14million ($18m) in an attempt to progress negotiations with Celtic.