Celtic transfer news roundup as Matt O’Riley offer by Southampton ‘to smash record fee’ and Neil Lennon assists clearout

Southampton are reportedly ready to “push the boat out” to snap up Celtic star Matt O’Riley and smash the Scottish transfer record.

Denmark star O’Riley is grabbing attention from across Europe this summer with Southampton, Juventus, Inter and Atletico Madrid also among the 23-year-old’s admirers – while speculation over a potential move to Europa League winners Atalanta has ramped up in recent days. However, he kept his focus on the Hoops during their pre-season tour of America as he netted a double during the 4-0 rout of DC United in Washington.

Record Sport previously revealed that Saints boss Russell Martin is a big fan of the midfielder, having worked with him at MK Dons, and the club were preparing a £20million bid for Celtic’s key man this summer. The Sunday Mirror now report that the English Premier League side are “ready to eclipse” Celtic’s record sales in the region of £25m for Kieran Tierney and Jota. It is also noted that Brighton are “showing an interest” in the midfielder.

Another outgoing looks to be Benjamin Siegrist after Record Sport revealed that Rapid Bucharest were keen on a deal. Now Neil Lennon has confirmed he is on the brink of signing the forgotten shot-stopper.

The 32-year-old didn’t play a single minute of football under Brendan Rodgers last season – and has only made two appearances for the Hoops since making the switch to Celtic Park from Dundee United. However, he looks set to seal a switch to Romania to join Lennon’s men.

Lennon said: “Benjamin Siergrist is a very good player, I hope he arrives in the next few days. Our keeper Marian Aioani is good, but needs competition.