Sheffield United nearly signed Gary Mackay-Steven back in 2015 but they could get their man this time with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers seemingly unconvinced.
Gary Mackay-Steven could be forgiven for feeling a little hollow as his Celtic teammates celebrate one of the greatest seasons in the club’s trophy-laden history.
The 26-year-old was nowhere to be seen as The Bhoys completed a first domestic treble since 2001 with a hard-through 2-1 win against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
Coupled with the fact he has started just four Scottish Premiership games all season, and hardly set the world alight on the few occasions he was thrust into the line-up, it appears Mackay-Steven’s future lies away from Celtic Park.
And the Daily Mail reports that the fleet-footed wideman could indeed be offered an escape route with Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers both contacting his representatives over a potential summer move.
On initial inspection, United appears the more likely destination. After all, while they stormed to the League One title to secure a return to the Championship, Blackburn Rovers went in the other direction after being relegated on the final day.
Blades have the edge
And, according to the Sheffield Star, The Blades narrowly missed out on signing Mackay-Steven just before Celtic swooped for the then Dundee United talisman January 2015.
Mackay-Steven’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting attacking talents has certainly taken a hit since then but the one-time international still has the technical quality and the dribbling ability to star in a side set up to suit his qualities.
And if Sheffield United are serious about making a bid, it would be a surprise if Celtic showed any resistance.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has not given Mackay-Steven a chance
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