A few days back, reports from the Daily Record emerged that Celtic were keeping tabs on Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland and their scouts were present to see him fire a hattrick against Greenock Morton recently. Shankland has now taken his season’s goal tally to 15, and it is no surprise that the Glaswegian giants are after him.
Shankland’s manager on his star player’s future
The 24-year-old has previously attracted interest from Celtic and Rangers and the way he is going in the Championship at the moment, a move might not be too far off. However, Dundee manager Neilson insisted that the forward will not be sold in January. Shankland’s manager recently said, ”There is not any pressure on us to sell Lawrence. He signed a three-year contract, which is great for us, and has international recognition so we won’t be looking to do anything until at least the summer.”
Dundee United signed him this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Ayr United had expired. Shankland could have probably earned a move to a top-flight club, but he likely stayed in the Championship to play regularly. His form for Ayr United was terrific as he had managed 61 goals for them along with 24 assists in just 73 appearances.
A blow for Celtic?
Shankland was always unlikely to leave in January given the terrific time he is enjoying at Dundee at the moment. Moreover, it wouldn’t have made sense to move to Parkhead to become a backup striker. Celtic must have already been aware of the possibilities of signing him.
Some reports have also claimed that Dundee United are valuing their prized forward at £2m. Knowing Celtic, they will probably be unlikely to pay that kind of sum for him as he is yet to be tested in the Premiership.
The Hoops might need a striker in the future as Odsonne Edouard’s good form means that he might be lured to join an elite club someday. `Leigh Griffiths is yet to rediscover his former self after he withdrew midway through the last season due to personal issues. Vakoun Issouf Bayo is another forward option for Lennon, but he is yet to get regular chances ever since signing in January.
We expect the club to be on the lookout for a new striker by next summer. As for January, we don’t see Celtic needing a new forward so missing out on Shankland shouldn’t be too big a blow for Neil Lennon.
