There's been a scramble to try and seal a deal for Matt O'Riley at MK Dons over the last few days and it appears as though Celtic have won the race for his signature, as reported by The Athletic.

The 21-year-old has been highly impressive in League One so far this season, featuring in 26 games and managing 12 goal contributions. That gives the youngster an average of 0.47 goals or assists per 90 minutes - which certainly isn't bad for a midfielder.

It's these scintillating displays for his current side in the third tier that has led to renewed interest in his services from afar. It looked like a deal further up the EFL was on the cards, with Swansea City keen to do business. It did look like a switch to Wales might be on the cards, as reported by Wales Online.

However, it now appears that Scotland may be the midfielder's next destination. Celtic have swooped in to try and do a deal and with £1.5m on the table, it seems as though a transfer to the SPL outfit is likely.

It would give O'Riley the chance to test himself at the very peak of Scottish football and would also allow him to potentially even have a go at European football.

With age on his side and some experience in the EFL already, he looks to be a real talent and could certainly be an astute signing by Celtic if they can complete a deal for him. It would though, be a huge blow to Swansea, who had their sights set on him this month.

The Verdict

Matt O'Riley does look a promising young talent and his displays in League One already for MK Dons suggest he is one to keep an eye on in the future.

A move to a side higher up the EFL could have been a good move for the midfielder but it's hard to turn down the lure of potential titles and European competition at Celtic. It's an opportunity he might not get at Swansea and with the amount of money being thrown around too, the Swans may not have been able to compete financially.

It's a shrewd deal though for the Scottish side if they can pull it off - and if he can continue his development at the rate he is going, then he could even sell for a lot more in the future. He's sure to get gametime too considering his showings this season.

It'll be a blow for the EFL to lose such a talent but you can't begrudge him making the move away to a team like Celtic.