There appear to be many transfer market connections between Sheffield United and Celtic this summer.
Paddy McNair has become the latest player to be linked with both clubs. It’s rumoured McNair will leave Middlesbrough and The Scottish Sun reports the Blades and the Hoops are interested.
In fact Bhoys manager Neil Lennon has admitted he is keen on signing the 24-year-old. When asked about McNair, Lennon replied: “There’s an interest there, yeah.”
Yet this isn’t the only example of a crossover between the Scottish champions and the newly promoted Premier League side.
Who else links Sheffield United and Celtic?
Stephen O’Donnell is another apparently on the radar of both sides. The Daily Mail (June 26, page 81) says that United have joined Derby County, Middlesbrough and Stoke City in the chase for the Kilmarnock right-back.
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O’Donnell is about to enter the final year of his current contract at Rugby Park and Killie are considering cashing in on the 27-year-old.
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are also monitoring the situation, although are yet to make any sort of move.
The reason the Blades could be interested in O’Donnell is if they lose George Baldock. To where? Parkhead, of course.
Baldock also has a year left to run on his deal at Bramall Lane and the Scottish Sun claims Lennon has made the defender a “top target.”
Apparently the 26-year-old is interested in discussing a move to Glasgow as well, but United boss Chris Wilder does not want to lose the former MK Dons man.
Football Insider says the South Yorkshire club will offer him a bumper new long-term contract to convince him to stay. Failing that, Wilder is prepared to lose Baldock for free in 12 months’ time.
There is also interest from the Blades from someone in Lennon’s squad. A report from the Sun outlines that Wilder is considering a move for Scott Sinclair in a £2m deal.
Finally, Luca Connell is wanted by United but was expected to join the Hoops. Connell was even pictured at Parkhead taking a VIP tour with chief executive Peter Lawwell.
However, the Bolton News reports Bolton Wanderers have rejected the 18-year-old’s request to terminate his scholarship contract. In that scenario Connell could have joined the Bhoys for a development fee of £250,000.
Now whoever wants the teenager will have to pay a proper transfer fee.