Celtic should reignite interest in Gunnarsson after 2009 scouting missing

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Celtic are likely to be busy in the January transfer window.

Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Gunnarsson has told manager Neil Warnock that he wants to leave the Championship side and will refuse to sign a new contract – and that should tempt Celtic into reigniting their interest in the Icelandic ace.

Celtic were one of three sides said to be interested in the Iceland captain back in 2009, as he shone in the middle of the park for Coventry City. Gunnarsson told the Express eight years ago that Celtic, along with Everton and Stoke, were keen.

“I know there is interest from various clubs,” Gunnarsson said “Celtic, Everton and Stoke City are all interested.”

However, a move failed to materialise to any three clubs, leaving Coventry to years after his comments in 2011 to join Neil Warnock’s Cardiff. He is now playing an instrumental part in the Cardiff side, as they eye promotion in second place.

But Warnock told media, as quoted by Wales Online, that Gunnarsson does not want to play in the Championship for another season beyond the 2017-18 campaign and has turned down a contract with only a matter of months remaining on his current deal which expires in June.

“We’ve spoken numerous times and I’ve been asking him since pre-season to commit – but he feels he doesn’t want to play in the Championship next year. I can understand that and I don’t blame him,” Warnock said.

A 76-time international, 28-year-old Gunnarsson is a passionate sort of player that instantly connects with the fans wherever he goes. His tough-tackling displays and intricate array of passing would see him become the perfect back-up to captain Scott Brown, if he opts to move to Glasgow should Celtic become interested.

Available on a pre-contract agreement from January 1, as confirmed by Warnock, Celtic could nab the midfield enforcer on a free transfer which would see the Hoops eventually sign him in the summer.

With captain Brown already 32, Brendan Rodgers could be on the lookout for a replacement and signing Gunnarsson would be the perfect, ready-made man to take over the holding-midfield responsibilities at Celtic Park.

Both players are captain of their country, and embody the kind of spirit and determination needed to captain a side with such esteemed history and tradition. Gunnarsson is the 2.0 of Brown.