Celtic eye move for versatile midfielder as Matt O’Riley transfer interest continues

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Celtic could be set for some chips to fall in midfield as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen across the remainder of the window.

Yesterday, we told that Leicester City are keen on Reo Hatate and the Foxes are believed to be considering a move for the Japan international to boost their hopes of staying in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, any pursuit could be rendered dead in the water if Celtic decide to sell Matt O’Riley, who is on the radar of Southampton and Europa League winners Atalanta.

Evaluating potential incomings, Paulo Bernardo is poised to return to Parkhead imminently from Benfica, with only the finer details left to iron out ahead of official confirmation.

With Celtic still yet to sign an outfield player this window, they now have another midfielder on their radar, according to reports.

Celtic could land Shea Charles amid Matt O’Riley speculation

Per The Scottish Sun, Celtic are keen on Southampton midfielder Shea Charles, who moved to St Mary’s Stadium last summer for a fee in the region of £15 million.

The Northern Ireland international is being lined up on a potential loan deal with an option to buy; however, it isn’t clear whether the transaction would act as a direct swap deal if O’Riley were to join the Saints or as a standalone pursuit.

Standing at 6ft 2in, Charles is a powerful defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass. He can also feature as a central defender or at right-back and is under contract on the South Coast until 2027.

Last campaign, he made 38 appearances for Southampton as they won promotion through the Sky Bet Championship playoffs [Transfermarkt].

Transfer dealings will take centre stage over the new few weeks at Celtic, and this situation may be one worth watching due to the pre-existing relationship both clubs have when it comes to trading assets.

For now, the Bhoys head into their first Scottish Premiership encounter of the season against Kilmarnock on Sunday with no new outfield players. Hopefully, that can change in the near future.