CELTIC boss Ronny Deila wants to sign Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven in this month’s transfer window.
The SPFL champions have confirmed they have made a move to get the 24-year-old on a pre-contract that would initially secure a summer switch.
However, the Tannadice side may be willing to part with the player for a cut-price £250,000 rather than see him walk away for free at the end of the season.
Deila is urging the powers-that-be to pay out and said: “That is the best situation, but again it’s about money.
“First, he has to say yes.
“I think that’s the way you have to do it. If you don’t know if the players wants it, then it’s harder to agree between the clubs.
“When you have the opportunity, you go for the player and see what can be arranged.”
Sheffield United have already had a £100,000 bid for Mackay-Steven rejected by United.
Asked when he expected to speak with the international over the pre-contract, Deila added: “We will see.
“Hopefully, in a couple of days something will be arranged.
“We have sent a letter to Dundee United saying we want to look at him.
“First of all, we have to get him to sign and then we’ll take it from there.”
