Exclusive: Southampton ready part-exchange offer for Celtic star

Southampton are preparing a second bid for Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Saints are considering a part-exchange offer featuring Shea Charles.

The Premier League side might offer Charles to the Scottish giants as well as cash to try and get a deal over the line.

Sources say that Celtic are interested in Charles but would prefer straight cash for the 23-year-old.

Southampton’s first offer of £12million was rejected by Celtic and was way off their £25million valuation for the Portuguese midfielder.

The Hoops hope to secure a club-record fee if they are to sell O’Riley before the window shuts.

Celtic previously sold Jota and Kieran Tierney for £25million, and it will take a similar offer for them to consider allowing O’Riley to leave.

Southampton face competition to sign Matt O’Riley

The Saints face competition in their attempts to sign O’Riley as Atalanta are also interested in him.

The Europa League winners have had three bids rejected by Celtic as they’ve failed to reach the fee required.

Other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the highly regarded midfielder who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists last season.

At the other end of the field, Football Insider revealed Southampton are interested in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The Saints would consider taking the England international on a temporary deal ahead of the new campaign.

In other news, Southampton ready bid for Abu Kamara.

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