Newcastle United want to sign Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley

Newcastle United are showing keen interest in signing Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer transfer window, according to a report from The Chronicle. 

The Magpies are expected to be busy this summer and they are working on deals to sign new defenders already. Eddie Howe wants to sign a top goalkeeper, while Newcastle are also keen to bolster their attacking areas.

The newspaper claimed on the website (26 May) that the Magpies have been scouting the 23-year-old midfielder ahead of a potential summer move. The scouts have watched him recently in Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers on Saturday at Hampden Park.

O’Riley is also attracting interest from Leicester City and Leeds United. During the January window, Atletico Madrid showed interest in signing him, but Celtic rejected a tempting offer.

He has been sensational for the Bhoys this season, and Brendan Rodgers has praised him heavily for his “phenomenal” contribution.

Matt O’Riley would be smart signing for Newcastle

Newcastle are mainly looking to add a right-sided attacking winger and they have been linked with Jarrod Bowen. However, Bowen has recently signed a long-term deal and he has no intention of leaving the club.

O’Riley has scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists for Celtic this season, clearly pivotal to their success.

He would be a fantastic addition to the Newcastle squad, but the Tyneside club would need to spend around £30 million to secure his signature.

Newcastle struggled with injuries last season, and the campaign was disappointing overall. Howe will be looking to take the squad back to the Champions League again, but they have to be very smart in the transfer window.

The Magpies are on the threshold of breaching the PSR losses, and they may have to sell some of their players. O’Riley is definitely within their budget but a potential move to St James’ Park looks complicated at the moment.