Celtic have a number of very talented players in their squad right now who have been linked with moves away from the club. It remains to be seen what the future holds for them. The Hoops did lose two regular starters over the summer in the form of Jota and Carl Starfelt. But other than that, they were able to hold on to the core of their squad.
Not just that but the club have been very active when it comes to handing out contract extensions as well. Several key players have recently agreed to new long-term deals with Celtic.
One player who was heavily linked with a move away in the summer was Matt O’Riley. In fact, rumours suggested that Leeds United even failed with a late £10 million transfer bid for the Danish midfielder.
Neil Lennon has pretty much confirmed the English Championship club’s interest in the player, as he relayed what he has heard. As reported by Leeds United News, the former Celtic legend said while speaking about O’Riley on TNT Sports:
"“I think he’s had a great start to the season. He’s really blossomed. This is his third season now and every week, looking at him now, he’s always on the scoresheet. He was a target for a number of clubs and I was speaking to someone at Leeds and they were really heavy on him.“But now he’s on a long-term contract he’s settling down now. He’s playing at the highest level and we’re seeing the best of him now.”"
Lennon confirms Leeds United’s interest in Celtic player
O’Riley has certainly made a brilliant start to this campaign. Some players seem to have taken a step back following the exit of Ange Postecoglou. That has certainly not been the case with the Danish youth international.
In fact, he seems to have raised his game up a few levels since the arrival of Brendan Rodgers over the summer. Not only is he playing at a higher level overall, but he has added a lot more goals to his game as well.
As a result, one has to feel that O’Riley transfer value has skyrocketed following his recent performances. It would have raised interest in his signature as well and it remains to be seen if Leeds United try to sign him in the future.