What Russell Martin has told journalist about Southampton’s interest in Celtic hero Matt O’Riley

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The speculation surrounding Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future continues as Southampton manager, Russell Martin, discloses his thoughts on the Hoops player.

The newly promoted Premier League side was reportedly set to make a record-breaking bid for O’Riley in July but since then, it appears that interest has cooled.

Atalanta and Brighton have since been pursuing the Celtic midfielder and it seems that The Seagulls are in pole position after the Serie A side dropped out of the running.

However, it seems that Southampton boss, Russell Martin, has made his stance clear after telling journalist, Alex Crook, why the St Mary’s side’s interest in the Celtic midfielder seems to be over.

Celtic’s £30m Matt O’Riley price

Celtic have stood firm in their valuation of O’Riley and have booted out five lowball offers from Atalanta so far.

And it seems that the £30m asking price for O’Riley has now scared off another suitor as Martin confirmed they are out of the race for the Celtic hero.

Crook told talkSPORT, “The last time I checked in on that a day or so ago, I was told that he’s still a player of interest for Brighton.

“At the moment, the clubs are quite a way apart in terms of their valuation, but it does look like they’ve got a clear run because Atalanta were interested earlier in the window. They’ve moved on to other targets.

“I spoke to Russell Martin, who of course, managed O’Reilly at Milton Keynes, and he said, we’re not in the race at the moment. I don’t think they can afford the £30 million Celtic are asking for.”

O’Riley deal must suit Celtic

O’Riley is certainly in demand and Celtic do face a battle to keep a hold of him beyond the summer. Brendan Rodgers has already been honest about the Celtic midfielder’s future after he admitted O’Riley is still happy at the club.

But as every Celtic fan knows, money talks and if Brighton were to offer the Parkhead board the £30m they are reportedly after, O’Riley will be strutting his stuff in the English Premier League next season.

And no one could grudge him that. The Denmark international has been excellent for Celtic since he signed in January 2022 for £1.5m and has won seven trophies out of nine in Scotland and deserves to prove he is good to rub shoulders amongst some of the best players in the world.