Celtic should renew interest in Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna
Celtic could renew their interest in Aberdeen’s defender Scott McKenna. The Pittodrie club turned down several offers for their prized asset McKenna in the summer, including a £3.5million bid from Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers is in the market as several of the Bhoys’ current centre-backs face uncertain futures at Parkhead. However, Celtic could have to see off interest from Championship sides Aston Villa, Hull City and Swansea to land their target (h/t The Scottish Sun).
Dedryck Boyata’s contract will expire at the end of the season. Long-term admirers Fulham could still table a January bid for the Belgium international after having a £9m bid for Boyata thrown out in the summer.
Hence, the Cottagers could still make a cut-price move this winter window. Fulham, under newly appointed boss Claudio Ranieri, need to shore up their leaky defence in a bid to survive a relegation catfight.
To make matters worse, Leicester City have the option to recall Filip Benkovic. The 21-year-old has impressed at the heart of the Hoops’ defence alongside Boyata. Meanwhile, veteran defender Marvin Compper could be set to depart in January.
The German has played just one competitive game for the Scottish champions this season. Fringe players Cristian Gamboa, Jonny Hayes, Scott Allan and Kundai Benyu also face uncertain futures at Parkhead. As a result, Rodgers must be looking to make amends after a disappointing summer window.
Wary of being left short of options at the back as they pursue an 8th straight title, the defending champions should revive their interest in Scott McKenna.
The Scotland international has put in stellar performances this season, having featured in 8 Premiership games for the Dons. McKenna can play as a centre-back, a left-back and as a left midfielder. His versatility and talent make him an ideal long-term solution to Celtic’s centre-half problems.
Having featured for over 70 games for Aberdeen, and on loan at Ayr United, he has the know-how of Scottish football. At Celtic, Scott McKenna will have a huge platform to establish himself and achieve world-class status.
Eight caps by Scotland at 22 highlights the potential that makes him such a highly-rated target for Celtic. At Parkhead, McKenna could become the next Virgil van Dijk under Rodgers’ watchful eyes.
