Wantaway Sheffield United striker turns down new contract amid Celtic interest

Northern Ireland under 21 forward David Parkhouse, earlier this year, had a spell on loan in the League of Ireland with Derry City where he was top scorer with 19.

Having returned to South Yorkshire, he has been training with the first team and says he has been offered a new deal, however, it looks likely his future will be away from United, with Parkhouse admitting his chances of breaking into the first team are very limited.

The 20 year-old’s performances for Derry City have attracted the interest of a number of clubs, including Celtic, and with his contract running out at the end of the season, Parkhouse could sign a pre-contract agreement to join next summer.

He told the Derry Journal: “I haven’t turned it down out of disrespect to Sheffield United but you have to sit down and look at where your future is going to lie.

“I’ve been up with the first team since I’ve been back, I’ve been training and done well but I have to assess whether there will be a breakthrough for me in the team at some point.

“Looking at it now, there’s not really going to be that opportunity. I know injuries can sometimes give you a chance but you can’t sit back and bank on injuries happening.

“They just signed Oli McBurnie and he’s a very similar style striker to me. He’s still young too so the chances of me getting in ahead of him is unlikely.”

Parkhouse added: “I’m by no means being cocky or thinking I’m bigger than Sheffield United because I know I’m not but I know my worth as well. I know where I want to be at this moment in time. And what I’ve been offered just isn’t for me at the minute.

“I want to be at a place where I get regular game-time, regular first team football. I could stay at the club and negotiate a better contract but I’m just weighing up my options now and seeing where to go in January.”