Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly determined to fend off interest from West Ham as they monitor the situation of midfielder Matt O’Riley in the January transfer window, as per Sky Sports.

Recent reports have indicated that the talented midfielder has attracted attention from West Ham and Aston Villa in the Premier League, with additional interest from Inter Milan, who are reportedly keen on securing an initial loan move for the Denmark international.

This developing scenario is set to be a captivating one to follow over the coming month, as O’Riley has become a subject of substantial interest from multiple parties.

In the past summer, Leeds United made a strong push to acquire O’Riley but faced a setback as their £10 million bid was turned down, highlighting Celtic’s firm stance on holding out for a significantly higher valuation, according to Sky Sports.

Following West Ham’s recent struggles in the attacking third, the need for additional creative reinforcements has become evident, with the team heavily reliant on the availability of Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus. With the current midfield options such as Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals not fully meeting expectations, the pursuit of O’Riley appears to align with West Ham’s desire to enhance their creativity and goal-scoring potential.

David Moyes, with a watchful eye on developments, notably in Scotland and at Celtic, where his professional career began, recognizes the potential of O’Riley. The midfielder’s prolific goal-scoring form at Parkhead suggests a potential for him to become an instant fan favorite in a central role at the London Stadium.

While Celtic might hold out for a substantial fee, the potential impact of such a move could be pivotal for O’Riley, especially considering the allure of the Premier League and the promise of European success. Despite Rodgers’ reluctance to part ways with the midfielder, the financial implications and the prospect of high-level competition in the Premier League could pose an irresistible temptation should a transfer materialize this month.