Celtic 'agree' £2.5m transfer fee with Sheffield Utd for winger despite rival interest from Burnley
The 25-year-old is expected to end his lengthy association with the Scottish giants this week
Sheffield United have agreed a £2.5million transfer fee with Celtic for Mikey Johnston - but other clubs are reportedly still in the mix to sign the out-of-favour winger.
The 25-year-old has been one of the fringe men expected to leave Parkhead this summer and a return to the English Championship now looks increasingly likely following his successful loan spell at West Brom during the second half of last season.
It’s been widely reported that the Hoops have lodged a £5million bid for Blades defender Austin Trusty, but according to the Daily Record, both deals are NOT linked. Johnston has spent his entire career in Glasgow’s East End but has been unable to solidify his place in the starting XI under several different managers.
A combination of injury troubles and other players being preferred in his position have restricted the Republic of Ireland internationalists' first-team chances in recent years, having initially burst onto the scene as a teenager. Johnston enjoyed a productive loan stint in Portugal with Vitoria de Guimaraes during the 2022/23 campaign, making 31 appearances across all competitions from the Primeira Liga outfit.
He returned to Parkhead last summer but was once again hampered by injury. Manager Brendan Rodgers did give him an opportunity to showcase his talent upon his return to full fitness, featuring somewhat sporadically towards the end of the last calendar year. He notched a brace in a 3-0 Premiership win over Dundee at Dens Park before being shipped out on loan in the January window.
His move to the Hawthorns proved a masterstroke as Johnston rediscovered his best form during the Baggies’ promotion push, scoring seven goals and contributing two assists in 20 games to mark the most prolific spell of his career to date. Relegated Burnley are also keen on signing the wide man permanently this summer, but it appears Sheffield United are now close to finalising a deal, according to transfer specialist Alan Nixon via Patreon.
Johnston’s imminent arrival at Bramall Lane provides cover for the South Yorkshire club in case another bid is received for Leeds United-linked Gustavo Hamer. The additions of Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda in recent seasons has meant his game time has been limited ever further and he now looks set to end his lengthy association with the Glasgow giants.