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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Southampton 'ready' to make move for Celtic ace Matt O'Riley

Southampton are ready to break the record Scottish transfer fee to sign Celtic star Matt O'Riley, according to a report.

The newly-promoted Premier League side are eying up a move for the Denmark international this summer. 

Russell Martin is aiming to improve his squad ahead of embarking on England's top flight yet again, in what will undoubtedly be a tough year with the aim of survival ahead.

O'Riley, 23, has gained plenty of attention from clubs in England, as well as abroad, since his £1.5m switch from MK Dons to Celtic in January 2022.

Atletico Madrid and Roma are among the other clubs to be linked with an approach for the playmaker.

The Scottish Premiership champions have previously rejected bids from Atletico for their star man in January, with Brendan Rodgers unwilling to part with one of his best players at that time.

With two months of the summer window remaining though, speculation surrounding O'Riley is only likely to increase off the back of a stunning campaign with the Hoops. He scored 19 goals and made 18 assists in all competitions last term.

Martin worked with O'Riley at MK Dons, so knows the player well. 

And The Times reports that Saints are ready to make their move for him. 

The report states that Celtic value O'Riley at £30m. Should they receive this amount, it would break the record Scottish transfer fee set when Jota left for Saudi Arabia last summer for £25m.

It is said that the fee is 'unlikely to deter' the St Mary's side.

Meanwhile, Cameron Carter-Vickers received a scathing review for his cameo display in the USA's defeat to Panama in the Copa America.

The Celtic defender stepped off the bench in the second half in the disappointing group-stage loss.

Former Celtic loan player Timo Weah was sent off after just 18 minutes as the USMNT stumbled in their second outing in the competition after victory over Bolivia in their tournament opener.

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