'He's Celtic's player' - Martin coy on Southampton's O'Riley pursuit

Scottish media reported that Saints had a bid worth an initial £14million plus add-ons rejected for Denmark international O'Riley who played for Martin at MK Dons.

Martin would like a reunion with the 23 year old attacking midfielder, who scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists for the Hoops last campaign.

However, Italian side Atalanta are another club credited with strong interest in O'Riley, with the Fulham academy graduate open to moving this summer.

Martin did not want to confirm or deny reports of a bid and was respectful to Celtic with his discretion, but was not shy in admitting his fondness for O'Riley.

Martin, speaking to the Daily Echo at the club's training camp in Spain, said: "Matty is someone I had a brilliant relationship with when I worked with him.

Saints manager Russell Martin admires the Denmark midfielder (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

"I tried to take him to Swansea and it would have been incredible business for them, as it has been for Celtic.

"I stay in touch with a lot of the players I work with. He's on a long list of players that I stay in touch with and watch with pride at what they've gone on to do.

"I really enjoyed working with him but he's Celtic's player and has done brilliantly for them. He's one of their top players so I'm sure they want to keep hold of him.

"He's had a lot of interest from a lot of clubs. I'll always have an interest in Matty whilst I'm managing and he's playing because as a person, he's great.

"As a player, he's top. If my interest at some point then becomes interest to actually work with him again because it's achievable then...

"I think that would be why you and some other people probably think it's clear I want him, because we have a great relationship."

Matt O'Riley could leave Celtic this summer with 'lots of interest' in him (Image: PA)

He continued: "But we'll have to wait and see. We are not in a position where we're going to go and spend absolutely huge sums of money on players.

"I think Celtic want a lot of money for Matty as would I, and as any club would if they had one of their top performers.

"So, yeah, we'll just have to wait and see but he's someone that I like as a person and a player - and there are lots of them.

"I'm sure we'll be linked to more that I've worked with. We signed a few here last summer and again now this summer.

"I have a strong relationship with players that I work with a lot of the time, but we will only bring them here if we think they can really help us."

O'Riley nearly joined Martin's Swansea City for just £1.5million in January 2022 but they were unable to complete the deal despite total agreement.

He joined Celtic days later, where he has made 121 appearances and won three Scottish Premiership titles in a row - in addition to three cups.