Newcastle United among ‘staggering’ amount of clubs sending scouts to watch 21 y/o Celtic star

It’s the first day of October and that means it has now been a full month since the summer transfer window closed for football clubs in England and the January window is only three months away.

Newcastle United could be in for another busy spell of ins and outs at St James’ Park and one current Celtic midfielder is thought to be on their radar.

Former Fulham prospect Matt O’Riley is understood to have been watched by scouts from the Magpies while on duty with the Denmark Under 21 national side.

The London born playmaker has been in excellent form for the Scottish champions this season but Eddie Howe’s side could face serious competition in pursuit of his signature.

Here is everything you need to know about O’Riley including what is being reported:

Who is Matt O’Riley? Celtic midfielder reportedly scouted by Newcastle

English Football League (EFL) fans will be familiar with O’Riley from his 18 months in League One with MK Dons.

The midfielder came through the youth set-up at Fulham but his first team opportunities were limited to just one league appearance during the 2019/20 Championship campaign.

The following season he moved to the Milton Keynes side and immediately established himself as a first team player despite his young age.

O’Riley made 54 appearances in all competitions over his one and a half seasons, scoring ten goals, before Celtic came calling in January this year.

The Scottish Champions met a reported £1.5million release clause to bring him to Glasgow and he has impressed supporters and pundits alike with his consistent performances while competing for a place in an area of the park where the Hoops are loaded with talent.

The London born midfielder represented England at Under 16 and Under 18 level but switched allegiances to Denmark, who he qualifies for through his mother, and has played for them at Under 21 level but is yet to receive a senior cap.

What has been reported about Newcastle’s interest in O’Riley?

Per FootballScotland, Newcastle sent scouts to monitor O’Riley while the Celtic star was on international duty with Denmark Under 21s last month.

However, it is also claimed that a ‘staggering’ 39 clubs in total had the player watched with German giants Bayern Munich and United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City named.