Celtic have opened negotiations with Sheffield United over signing right-back George Baldock, according to reports in the English media.

The Hoops are said to have made contact yesterday, and the player is apparently keen on moving north of the border.

Baldock only has one year left on his contract at Bramall Lane and Blades boss Chris Wilder is said to be open to selling up if he can use the funds to finance his own summer transfer plans.

The fullback was an integral member of Sheffield United’s promotion-winning team last season, making 27 appearances, scoring once and providing three assists.

Baldock played as a wingback in Wilder’s 3-5-2 system and initially struggled to get into the side with Kieron Freeman favoured in the role.

Celtic are in desperate need of reinforcements on the right-hand side of defence with Jeremy Toljan returning to Borussia Dortmund after his loan spell, while Mikael Lustig is out of contract at the end of this month.