Why Wolves must sign Scott McKenna in the January window

As per a report from The Sun, Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen on signing Scottish international Scott McKenna from Aberdeen in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising defenders in the Scottish Premiership and has attracted interest from Wolves along with Championship side Aston Villa. (h/t The Sun)

Speaking of the interest, McKenna claimed that he dreams of playing in the Premier League but is focused on doing well for Aberdeen at the moment. The Scottish defender said: 

“I think that is most people’s ambition [playing in the Premier League]. It’s been a good year but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. If I take my eye off the ball it would be quite easy to slip out of the Aberdeen team and then that would seem a million miles away.” (h/t The Scotsman)

With the player also hinting that he might consider a switch to England, should Wolves act on their interest in January?

A graduate of the Aberdeen academy, McKenna spent the 2016/17 term away on loan with Ayr United before becoming an integral part of Derek McInnes’ side last season. And suffice to say, he has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Scottish top-flight.

McKenna finished the 2017/18 campaign with 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals in the process and impressing with a series of mature displays at the back. He was also nominated for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award. In the ongoing term, the centre-back has featured 11 times across all competitions.

The youngster’s performances have made him a mainstay in the Dons’ backline and also earned him a call-up for the Scotland national team in March earlier this year. McKenna impressed with his displays for the national side, with manager Alex McLeish handing him the captain’s armband for the tie against Mexico. Till date, he has racked up 7 international appearances.

Wolves have done fairly well defensively upon their return to the Premier League this season. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has just let in 13 goals in 12 league games, which is the best record for a team outside the top four.

In Ryan Bennett, Conor Coady and Willy Boly, Wolves have a reliable and dependable centre-back partnership. They also have the promising Kortney Hause providing cover from the bench along with summer arrival Leander Dendoncker. It might seem they have enough options but bringing in McKenna will add further quality and depth to the squad.

At 6ft 3in, the 22-year-old cuts an imposing figure at the back and has all the physical attributes needed to succeed in England. The left-footed centre-back is comfortable playing out from the back, which would sit well with the brand of football Nuno has implemented at the Molineux.

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McKenna, despite his age, has demonstrated great maturity and has shown immense promise in his fledgeling career. And given his potential, Wolves would truly benefit in the short term and in the long run as well by making a move for him in the January transfer window.