Celtic star Matt O'Riley will be in-demand this summer with clubs across Europe adopting the "moneyball" system.
That is the view of Stephen McGinn, who reckons it's no surprise that the Danish U21 international appears to be attracting interest this summer. The resolve of the Scottish Premiership champions could be tested with reports suggesting La Liga sides Real Betis, Valencia and Sevilla are all monitoring developments over O'Riley's future this summer.
Brighton are another club who are reportedly keeping tabs on the playmaker and McGinn reckons the transfer approach used by Premier League clubs and Spanish sides could see more suitors emerge before the window closes. The use of "moneyball" helps clubs find top talent for bargain prices - with cash being splashed based on the data points. That could see Celtic make a profit on the meagre £1.5million the Hoops paid MK Dons to take the 22-year-old north of the border back in January 2022.
McGinn told The Go Radio Football Show: "I think there has been speculation about Matt O'Riley almost since the month after he signed for Celtic. It was only a matter of time that this came round again, that Matt O'Riley is being watched by clubs.
"I think in the modern transfer system clubs look at stats and use the moneyball system. Matt O'Riley will tick almost every box, other than probably goalscoring.
"That is a part of his game that if Brendan Rodgers goes back to the system he used at Celtic before he will need to up his goalscoring. That will be the area that needs improvement in his game if Brendan Rodgers can get that out of him.
"But I mean he is six foot, has a good engine and a lovely left foot. He creates a lot of chances so it's no surprise clubs are looking at him."
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