Chelsea 'identify Conor Gallagher replacement' who Southampton had bid rejected for

Chelsea have reportedly shortlisted Celtic star Matt O’Riley as a target in anticipation of the departure of Conor Gallagher.

The Blues have, once again, been one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window, making seven signings in the hope of breathing a fresh lease of life into the squad.

Further additions are anticipated, with Chelsea scouring the market for midfield targets despite already signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City in a deal worth £30million.

According to The Sun, the Blues have joined the race to secure the signature of Celtic midfielder O’Riley, who has a host of suitors elsewhere in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old is viewed as the ideal replacement for Gallagher, who Atletico Madrid are hoping to lure to the Metropolitano Stadium. A deal between the two clubs is close, though the midfielder is yet to agree to join Diego Simeone’s side at this stage.

O’Riley has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic this summer, with top clubs around Europe monitoring the situation of the Denmark international.

Southampton have been pushing to sign the midfielder as well, with Russell Martin keen to reunite with the midfielder having worked with him during his stint as MK Dons manager.

The Saints have already seen a £15m bid for O’Riley rejected, though they remain hopeful that the player’s relationship with Martin will convince him to snub interest elsewhere in favour of heading to St Mary’s.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC are also long-term admirers of O’Riley and feel that he is capable of replacing Pascal Gross, who recently left the club to join boyhood side Borussia Dortmund.

The Seagulls had previously struck a deal to sign Dewsbury-Hall, who would have succeeded Gross, but their move for the 25-year-old was hijacked by Chelsea.

Crystal Palace have also shortlisted O’Riley as a potential target as they look to bolster their ranks using the funds from their sale of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich. Atalanta are also keen.

Celtic are in no hurry to offload their No. 33 though and Chelsea, Southampton, or any other interested club, will need to cough up markedly more than £15m if they are to strike an agreement before the 2024/25 Premier League season gets underway.