Aberdeen midfielder Graeme Shinnie has been linked with a move to Celtic this summer, as reported by The Bristol Post.
The paper claim that both the Hoops and Rangers are interested in the soon to be out-of-contract Scotland international.
From my perspective though there’s no chance of this deal happening and that’s because of a very simple reason – he isn’t good enough to improve the Celtic first-team squad.
Neil Lennon, or whoever the manager is this summer, is blessed with options in the middle of the park. Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie have all been nationwide stand-outs this term while others such as Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham are available too.
All five of those central midfield options are better than Shinnie, even if he is seen as a leader in the Aberdeen dressing room.
He is a hard working and industrious player but what the Hoops need this summer is another creative option to fill in for Rogic when he is suffering from fitness problems. We don’t need another spoiler who might struggle to break down packed defences.
He may offer some versatility as a left-back, but as we seen in a recent Scotland match he isn’t exactly a top talent in that department.
Celtic need to improve upon what is already at the club to progress, players who can genuinely compete for places. Shinnie is an effective talent but he doesn’t fall into that category, so hopefully the report from The Bristol Post proves to be unfounded.
BBC Scotland are currently linking the 27-year-old with a move to Derby County, which appears far more realistic.
Would you welcome Graeme Shinnie to Celtic Park this summer? Have your say in the comments below…