CELTIC have been linked with Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
But their alleged interest in the Northern Ireland star will NOT sway any moves made by the south coast club in their pursuit of in-demand Matt O’Riley.
A swap deal has been put forward, but the champions are only interested in a megacash bid for their skilful playmaker – if they decide to sell the player who has three years still to run on his contract.
The club hierarchy are routinely batting away bids of £20million that do not come near their valuation of the performer, 23, who won multiple club Player of the Year awards last season following his impressive 19 goal and 15 assists.
IT TAKES TWO…Celtic’s midfielders Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate celebrate another win on the US tour.
The newly-promoted Saints and Europa League winners Atalanta are said to be in the chase for the London-born Denmark international, but Brendan Rodgers has consistently played down the speculation.
Asked for an update on O’Riley’s situation a couple of days ago, the Hoops gaffer, as reported in CQN, admitted: “There’s been no change I am aware of.
“Matt knows he’s at a massive club. There’s been no change in his attitude of his quality and you can see that in the games.”
Rodgers is scouring the market to strengthen his squad with the transfer window closing on August 30 and the Premiership kicking off on Sunday with Kilmarnock the visitors to Parkhead on Flag Day.
MAKING A POINT…Southampton’s Shea Charles who has been linked with Celtic.
The champions are said to be keen on 20-year-old Charles who joined Russell Martin’s side a year ago in a £12million switch from Manchester City, according to the Scottish Sun.
The versatile middle-of-the-park operator, who signed a four-year deal at the Saints, started 15 games as they went up to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Celtic may even look to take Charles on an initial loan with an option to buy, as stated in the report.
