According to the latest reports from Birmingham Mail, Derby County manager Frank Lampard is in contact with Graeme Shinnie and his manager Derek McInnes over a possible sale of the Aberdeen captain. Shinnie was also linked with the likes of Celtic and Rangers, and this latest update could be a blow for them.
Lampard recently confirmed his interest in the player and said, ”We have spoken to Graeme Shinnie. I actually get on very well with Derek McInnes, the manager at Aberdeen, so he is very aware of it. Graeme Shinnie has options, and I think we are an option hence why he was here. It is not done yet, so we have to wait and see, but he is a player we are interested in, yes.”
If Celtic want the player, then they need to step up their pursuit as Lampard has made his intentions clear regarding Shinnie.
What can Shinnie provide at Celtic?
The 27-year-old Scottish international is a left back who has been converted into a defensive midfielder. The captain has thrived in the deepest role in midfield for the Dons as he has protected the back four well. Along with that, he can carry the ball out from the back. Shinnie is adept at tackles and interceptions which makes him a crucial player for Derek McInnes.
Why are certain clubs after him?
Apart from the Glaswegian giants and Derby County, he is being linked with the likes of Bristol City and Sheffield United as well. Shinnie is currently in the final few months of his contract with the Dons, and he is going to be a free agent soon. Therefore that is the primary reason why clubs are after him as they can sign an influential player like Shinnie on a free transfer.
Does Celtic need Shinnie?
Celtic extended the stay of Scott Brown recently, so he is likely to continue as the first choice defensive midfielder. Apart from that, the Hoops can call upon the services of Ewan Henderson and Nir Bitton who have done well in limited chances.
Until and unless there is a departure from the club, we don’t think Shinnie is going to be a big miss for the Hoops. However, Celtic might have been eyeing him as a left back as Emilio Izaguirre’s contract is set to expire soon and Shinnie could have acted as a backup to Kieran Tierney. However, with the Rams now leading the race, Lennon might have to look at other alternatives in the summer.
