MX23RW : Saturday, November 16 11:51:18| >> :120:42634:42634:

Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'identify' Matt O'Riley as Conor Gallagher replacement

Chelsea 'identify' Celtic star as Gallagher replacement
© Imago
Chelsea reportedly identify Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley as a potential option to replace England international Conor Gallagher.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.

Having entered the final 12 months of his contract, Gallagher has seen his future become the subject of much speculation this summer.

Gallagher has allegedly turned down the chance to sign a new two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months, with the England international holding out for a long-term deal.

Although they have offered Gallagher a new deal, Chelsea are prepared to sell him this summer, especially as his departure would generate pure profit.

The Blues have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid over a £34m deal, leaving it up to Gallagher to decide whether he wants to join the Spanish club.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in February 2024.© Reuters

Chelsea considering O'Riley as Gallagher replacement

Chelsea have held talks with Gallagher over the weekend to find a resolution, but they have made him aware that he will have to settle for a squad role if he opts to remain at Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea await Gallagher's final decision, the Blues hierarchy are already scouring the market for potential replacements.

According to Sky Sports News, the West London club have identified Celtic's O'Riley as a potential transfer target.

While O'Riley is being considered as a potential option, the Celtic man will likely want assurances of regular game time if he were to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.

Celtic's Matt O'Riley reacts on July 10, 2024© Imago

O'Riley heading towards Celtic exit

Celtic are facing a real battle to retain O'Riley's services, having already turned down multiple offers from Italian side Atalanta BC.

The midfielder, who has earned two caps for Denmark, has also been linked with a reunion with his former MK Dons manager Russell Martin at Southampton.

O'Riley is attracting plenty of interest after scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists in 49 competitive appearances last season.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, O'Riley played the full duration of Sunday's Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock.

The 23-year-old registered an assist as Brendan Rodgers's side began the defence of their title with a commanding 4-0 victory.

ID:549681:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4609:

Click here for more stories about Conor Gallagher

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Villarreal's Jorge Cuenca celebrates after scoring on February 10, 2024
Read Next:
Transfer news and rumours: Cuenca to Fulham, O'Riley to Southampton, Amrabat to Fenerbahce
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!