Celtic have confirmed that Gary Mackay-Steven has signed a pre-contract agreement for next season.
There was no news of the deal having been sealed at Dundee United’s morning press conference, with the player arriving for training at St Andrews as usual.
But the Parkhead club broke the news with a statement on their website.
United boss Jackie McNamara now has to decide whether to include the in-form winger in his team for tomorrow’s clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and the remaining months of the season.
There is of course the possibility that the two clubs will thrash out a deal to enable Mackay-Steven to make the switch to Celtic Park before the end of this transfer window, with £250,000 the fee Tangerines’ chairman Stephen Thompson is looking to secure.
That would appear to be the best scenario for all concerned.
The Hoops’ statement read: “Celtic are delighted to announce that Gary Mackay-Steven has signed a pre-contract agreement and he will join the club this summer.
“The 24-year-old made his first-team debut for Dundee United back in July 2011, and he has gone on to make almost 130 appearances for the Tannadice side, scoring 27 goals. He has also been capped by Scotland.
“Everyone at Celtic welcomes Gary to the club.”