Tommy Doyle’s preferred summer move back to Sheffield United is looking more and more distant, journalist Alan Nixon has reported.
Nixon believes that the Blades ticked all the boxes for central midfielder Doyle when considering an exit from Manchester City, where he has little of hope of first-team involvement.
However, United have since made a move for Tom Davies and Nixon reckons they will switch to other priorities beyond the midfield in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
That’s a benefit to both Celtic and Wolves, who retain an interest in his services this summer. It was reported at the start of the month that the Bhoys had asked to be updated on his situation, with Brendan Rodgers said to be an admirer of the England U21 international.
Many clubs are thought to be keen on his talents, so while there’s a long way to go before we can say Celtic and Doyle are destined for a relationship, the fact one of his big options is increasingly distant is a benefit.
Doyle excelled in the English Championship last season on loan at Sheffield United, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League. He’s also spent time out on loan at Cardiff City and Hamburg, making seven appearances in total for the Manchester City senior side.
Meanwhile, Nixon also reports that another Celtic target, James McAtee, is now being pursued by Southampton. The Man City youngster, who also spent time out on loan at Sheffield United last season, has been included in Pep Guardiola’s first-team set-up in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Southampton man Jason Wilcox is said to be motivated to bring him to St Mary’s for another season in the Championship, despite City feeling like he could do better in another division.
In other news, Why Celtic should be cheering on Panathinaikos and Rakow in UEFA Champions League this week.
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