There have been plenty of Dundee United footballers linked with Celtic over the last few seasons, and there are plenty of them who would have been (still would be) a good fit for the Scottish champions.
It irks United fans of course, but you can see why Parkhead managers continually covet Tangerines’ players.
The main reason is a simple one more good, young talent comes out of Tannadice than anywhere else in Scotland.
There’s also the fact that the brand of football the two teams have traditionally produced has, by and large, been a match.
For generations, wingers, ball-playing defenders and attacking midfielders have all been cherished on the east coast of Scotland and in the east end of Glasgow.
Without going through all the United players thought to have interested Celtic in recent times (it’s a very long list), Johnny Russell and Andy Robertson are probably the best two examples of targets they should have thrown good money at.
Ironically, of the current batch thought to be interesting Ronny Deila, the one they’ve made the strongest pitch for is arguably the least suited. The cheapest, but the least suited.
Nadir Ciftci would be ideal for Celtic, but would cost them too much. The same goes for Stuart Armstrong.
But Gary Mackay-Steven would be free in the summer and, if his head is turned and his form dips over the next fortnight, could maybe even be picked up before January is over.
Would Celtic be the best place for Mackay-Steven, though?
Not for me.
Tommy Burns’ Celtic, definitely. Maybe even Martin O’Neill’s. But not Deila’s.
If a so-called luxury player like Kris Commons, who has been feted with awards and is a fans’ darling, can’t find a regular place in the Norwegian’s starting line-up, don’t expect Mackay-Steven to manage it.
GMS may be in fine form just now, but you don’t have to cast your mind too far back to a time when he wasn’t. Not only was he out of form, he was actually out of Jackie McNamara’s team.
He’s an extremely talented footballer and has a Youtube tricks portfolio to rival a Brazilian. But like many of his type, question marks over his consistency and mental toughness are legitimate ones.
If it’s not to be United, Mackay-Steven needs to find a club where he will be a regular starter and that level is probably League One in England. Championship at a push.
When he left Aberdeen, Ryan Fraser showed the strength of character and long-term vision to take that route. For his career development, Mackay-Steven should consider doing the same.
I actually think there are European leagues that would best accommodate his style of football, but if it comes down to a straight choice between Celtic and Sheffield United, it should be red-and-white stripes rather than green-and-white hoops he decides to pull on next season.