Carlton Palmer has spoken about the potential of Leeds United signing Matt O’Riley this summer.
Matt O’Riley is a summer transfer target for Leeds United, assuming the club is promoted to the Premier League.
According to Give Me Sport, the Whites are likely to renew their interest in the Denmark international after their attempts to sign him last year were unsuccessful.
According to reports, Celtic turned down a deal of up to £10 million for the midfielder, and he will stay at Parkhead.
Atletico Madrid’s bid to sign the 23-year-old in January prompted reports that it could cost up to £25 million to prise the youngster from the Scottish giants.
O’Riley has received high praise for his efforts in Scotland, and both Brighton and Brentford are interested in signing him this summer.
Carlton Palmer creates “fantastic”. Carlton Palmer sees Matt O’Riley as a valuable addition to Leeds United’s top-flight side if promoted.
The 58-year-old has expressed no concerns about Celtic’s projected £25 million price tag for him this summer.
“Leeds United are one of several clubs interested in signing Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley,” Palmer told Football League World.
“Leeds were linked with a summer move for O’Riley, making several bids for the player, believed to be around £10 million, that Celtic turned down.
“He’s gaining attention both at home and abroad.
“Atletico Madrid reportedly rejected a £10 million approach in January, and Brentford and Brighton are interested in him.
“Matt has had a terrific time at Celtic; the 23-year-old has 26 goals this season, has participated in the Champions League, and has made his debut for his country.
“We’ll have to wait and see; this might be a terrific signing for Leeds United if they are promoted to the Premier League, but I believe it’ll be quite expensive.
“As previously stated, Celtic turned down a £10 million bid from Atletico Madrid, and Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants the player to remain.
“The player is competing in the Champions League and doing well.
“So, to get him out of the football club, a fee of around £25 million has been proposed, but at the age of 23, he’d be an excellent signing for Leeds if they were promoted to the Premier League.
“He would be a fantastic signing if they could get him, but I’m sure Celtic will be keen to hang on to the player.”
Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League is far from inevitable, with the club only one point ahead of third-place Ipswich Town with eight games remaining.
Daniel Farke’s side’s next game is away to Watford on March 29.
O’Riley could be just what Leeds needs this summer.
If Leeds are promoted, they will need to add one or two top-tier first-team players to Farke’s roster to prepare for life back in the top flight.
Someone like O’Riley may be an excellent acquisition, given the side’s attack currently lacks creativity from midfield.
Leeds will have to pay a £25 million premium to add actual first-team talent to their squad this summer, and O’Riley could be the correct player to spend that money on.
He has impressed for Celtic, notably in the Champions League, and may be ready for the move up.
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