European clubs to battle for £10m man in January, after Leeds tabled summer bid

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European clubs are now set to join the race for Leeds United target Matt O’Riley in January.

That is according to Sky Sports, who report O’Riley remains locked in talks with Celtic over a new deal but will have to be quick as clubs from across the continent prepare to make their moves in the upcoming winter window.

Leeds were heavily keen on signing O’Riley during the summer window and as per Sky Sports, saw an offer of around £10 million rejected by the Scottish champions.

The Whites opted against raising their offer and instead brought in Glen Kamara from Rangers and Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen for a combined fee of £11 million.

Having sold Jota in the summer, Celtic view O’Riley as one of their marquee assets and as per the Daily Record, opened contract talks with him during the last international break.

European clubs keen on Leeds target O’Riley

If a deal is not agreed by the next transfer window, that could open the door for interested clubs to make their move, though Celtic can still command a decent fee with his contract not expiring until 2026.

It remains unclear at this stage whether Leeds will test Celtic’s resolve again in January, though number 10 does remain a position that could do with strengthening.

Joel Piroe has been playing just in behind Georginio Rutter this season since his arrival from Swansea City and has made an excellent start to his Leeds career, but isn’t the type of player who can unlock a defence.

O’Riley is certainly that and has enjoyed a superb start to the campaign with four goals and two assists in six league appearances so far.

The 22-year-old is exactly the sort of signing Leeds should be looking to make in January. He would be able to make an instant impact in the Premier League if promotion is secured, but if Daniel Farke’s side were to stay down, they would still have one of the best players in the division at their disposal.