Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has signalled his intent to sign Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie on a permanent deal this summer.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, McInnes attempted to secure Christie’s permanent signature last summer, but was only able to agree a season-long loan.
McInnes reportedly tried to include Christie as part of the deal that took Jonny Hayes to Celtic in a £1.2million deal.
As quoted by the Sun, McInnes has now signalled his intent to make another move to sign Christie permanently at the end of the season.
“The plan is for Ryan to go back to Celtic at the end of the season but if we are told any different then of course I would like the opportunity to work with him again.
“It is Celtic’s and Ryan’s call. He has been a brilliant addition to us in his loan spells,” he said.
Over his two loan spells at Pittodrie, winger Christie has made 46 appearances in all competitions scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists.
In contrast, the 23-year-old has played just 13 times in total for parent club Celtic, scoring twice and assisting once.
OPINION
It is no surprise to hear that Aberdeen want to keep Christie permanently. The young winger has been fantastic for the Dons throughout his time at the club, and vastly improves their attack when he is playing. On the other hand, he is seemingly unwanted at Celtic, and it is hard to see a way into the first-team at Parkhead for him. All signs point to a permanent deal being struck this summer, as long as Aberdeen cough up the required cash.