Gary Mackay-Steven is in need of a fresh start after struggling for opportunities at Celtic – and Sheffield United appear to offer the perfect escape route.
Mackay-Steven appears unable to win over Rodgers
With Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers trusting Gary Mackay-Steven to start just four Scottish Premiership games in 2016/17, you’d think the champions would jump at the chance to cut their losses this summer.
However, the Daily Record reports that Celtic are still playing hardball with potential suitors – despite the fact that Mackay-Steven’s future appears to lie elsewhere.
The report claims that Sheffield United, who are preparing for a first season in the Championship in six years, want to sign the technically gifted 26-year-old this summer.
However, it appears that they may be forced to take him on loan for the 2017/18 season with Celtic demanding a surprisingly high fee for a player who never threatened to break into Rodgers’ starting XI.
Though Mackay-Steven has two years remaining on his current deal, it appears that a summer move is in the best interests of every party. Rodgers has managed to foster a feel-good atmosphere since arriving at Parkhead last summer so an unhappy outcast is a problem he could do without.
Mackay-Steven joined Celtic alongside Stuart Armstrong from Dundee United in the winter of 2015
Furthermore, the former Dundee United winger’s creativity and intelligence in possession could provide Sheffield United with that extra dash of cutting edge as they aim to make a splash in the second tier next season.
However, with manager Chris Wilder making clear that the League One champions would be prepared to walk away from overly complicated deals, it appears that Celtic are playing with fire.
Blades boss Chris Wilder
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