Crystal Palace scout Celtic star Matt O’Riley in Champions League against RB Leipzig as they plot transfer
CRYSTAL PALACE are putting Celtic’s London-born midfielder Matt O’Riley firmly on their radar.
Top scout Dougie Freedman watched former Fulham youth star O’Riley in Champions League action against RB Leipzig last week.
O’Riley has flown under the radar in his career, heading to Scotland from MK Dons and being picked up by Denmark for their under-21s squad after previously playing for England youth sides.
However, shrewd judges think the 21-year-old’s all-round talent would be suited to the Premier League — and Palace are looking for a midfield addition.
Their hopes of bringing back old boy Conor Gallagher from Chelsea are growing slimmer and the Eagles may have to go elsewhere to boost their options.
O'Riley has impressed in Scotland since making a £1.5million move to Celtic in January, and he has caught the eye of several Prem clubs.
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Newcastle United and Leicester watched O’Riley in action for Denmark Under-21s against Croatia last month.
Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be interested in the midfielder but the Hoops could demand £20m to let him go.
Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund are also considering a move for O'Riley, who has four years remaining on his Celtic contract.
Wolfsburg and Lille have also sent scouts to watch O'Riley in action for Celtic.
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Palace appear to have made signing a midfielder a priority in January.
The Eagles eyed a move for Leicester star Boubakary Soumare in the summer and could reignite their interest in the former Monaco midfielder.