One final twist in O’Riley tale as Swans and Blackburn set to miss out on MK Dons star?

Matt O’Riley.  Hands up and be honest on how many people were aware of Matt O’Riley six, three or even one month ago but he has become one of the most talked about potential targets for the Swans this January.

There is little doubt that we are very keen to bring O’Riley to Swansea.   Russell Martin knows him and his capabilities and he knows Russell Martin.  Just in the same way that Andy Fisher did and we all know how that ended up.  The difference between Fisher and O’Riley in that regard seems to be just the transfer fee.   Or broadly a reported £1m difference between the two.   Not quite peanuts and a definite factor in the protracted speculation and “will he, won’t he” part of the rumour mill.

Then you have Blackburn Rovers.   Discussions in the North West do not seem as loud as they do here (although maybe they are if you live in Blackburn) but there is an interest from Tony Mowbray and his side who would love to see O’Riley at Ewood Park.

It is now looking increasingly certain that Matt O’Riley will be leaving MK Dons this week.   But will he be heading to Swansea or Blackburn?   Well, the answer to that could have one final twist in that tale in that it is now being rumoured that the answer could be neither.  No “third club” name has been thrown into the discussions at all but it does appear that this – as many January movements do – could have a final twist in the tale and both Swansea City and Blackburn will remain empty handed at the end of the speculation (well empty handed as in no player but clearly not having spent the money!)

Swansea City have already been dealt two curve balls in this window with Ethan Laird recalled by Manchester United and the bizarre events surrounding Jamie Paterson this weekend.  A third one could be the missing out on O’Riley (assuming the rumours are true) although there is also strong speculation that tomorrow will see the incoming of an attacking midfielder (of the non O’Riley variety!)

Whatever happens in the next 24/48 hours it will be good to finally put the O’Riley speculation to bed, let’s just hope that the people of Swansea, MK Dons and Blackburn are all comfortable with the outcome.