Celtic transfer blow as club don’t want to sell 25-goal star

Celtic have just received a huge transfer blow in regards to one of their biggest targets on the transfer market after his club is unwilling to sell.

Celtic have had their eye on one of the biggest Scottish prizes currently on the market (or was). Now, that player’s club is unwilling to sell, as they want to hold onto their star striker in order to push them up in the top tier of Scottish football.

The player in question is Dundee United’s Lawrence Shankland, and the striker is heavily coveted by Celtic. But the interest doesn’t stop there for the 24-year old. Crystal Palace and QPR are reportedly interested in the lad as well.

Celtic had recently sent scouts to watch Lawrence Shankland perform, as they continue their due diligence on players they would like to bring in. Despite adding striker Patryk Klimala, the Hoops would likely have jumped on the chance to bring Shankland to Parkhead.

Now, speaking the Daily Record, Dundee United’s manager Robbie Neilson fired off a warning to clubs that may be interested in the striker:

"“I’ve said for a long time that getting promoted is more valuable to us than selling one of our key players. I’m expecting him to be here until the end of the season and what happens beyond that will be dependent on what offers come in.”"

It remains to be seen whether the Hoops would have made a hard push to bring in Lawrence Shankland this month during the winter transfer window, or would have waited until the summer. That decision has now been made for them considering a move for the striker is off the table until the summer at least.

Dundee United are probably smart in holding onto the striker through the season. He can continue to build value, while also propelling his squad into the top-flight of Scottish football.