Aberdeen won’t be able to land Gary Mackay-Steven on loan – but will Sheffield United swoop in for the Celtic attacker?
Pesky Scottish Premiership regulations mean Aberdeen may face a problem in their attempts to bring in Gary Mackay-Steven from Celtic.
According to The Scotsman, Dons boss Derek McInnes had hoped to conclude a deal to bring in the out-of-favour winger, who looks certain to leave the champions after starting just four league games last season under Brendan Rodgers. Reports had suggested that Aberdeen wanted to land Mackay-Steven on a season-long loan deal but those hopes may now be lying in tatters.
Celtic’s Gary Mackay Steven did not manage to win over Brendan Rodgers
Because The Scotsman add that a club cannot sign two players on loan from the same domestic rival. And, as Ryan Christie has already secured a temporary switch to Pittodrie as part of the agreement that took Jonny Hayes to Celtic, Aberdeen will have to negotiate a permanent deal with Mackay-Steven.
And this should give Sheffield United hope that their deal is not dead just yet. The Star reported last month that The Blades, who cruised to the League One title last season, had held talks with the former Dundee United winger though his price tag remains an issue.
The Star claimed that Mackay-Steven is under contract until 2019 and Sheffield United may be unwilling to meet Celtic’s £750,000 asking price. The report added that they too could seek a loan agreement.
Yet, with Aberdeen now forced to stump up to sign Mackay-Steven on a permanent basis or risk missing out, Sheffield United may have been handed one final chance.
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