Glasgow Rangers have reportedly entered the competition alongside Celtic in the pursuit of acquiring the services of Scott McKenna, as both clubs vie for the signature of the Scotland international.
Despite currently trailing Celtic by eight points in the Scottish Premiership table, Rangers have two games in hand over Brendan Rodgers’ side. According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Rangers and Celtic are set to engage in an off-field battle in their efforts to secure the signing of the Nottingham Forest defender.
Crook reported, “I have been told Celtic FC and Rangers FC are both interested in NFFC defender Scott McKenna.”
With the Premiership title race finely poised, both Rangers and Celtic are eager to strengthen their squads as they chase glory this season. McKenna, a player with substantial experience at the highest level, could be a valuable addition for either side, especially considering the potentially modest acquisition cost.
The 27-year-old made a £3 million move from Aberdeen to Forest in September 2020 and has amassed 105 appearances for the club. McKenna played a pivotal role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022 and has remained a key figure in the English top flight. However, a serious injury hampered his progress during the latter part of the previous season, leading to a decline in his involvement with the team, and he hasn’t featured for the Reds since mid-September.
With McKenna’s contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, reports from Aberdeen Live suggest that he has been given the green light to depart the club, allowing him to engage in discussions with clubs outside of England regarding a potential pre-contract agreement.
The prospect of McKenna’s transfer presents an intriguing storyline to monitor, given his track record in the Scottish top flight and his commendable performances in both England and at the international level. The addition of McKenna would undoubtedly bolster the ranks of either Rangers or Celtic in the ensuing weeks.
The unfolding transfer saga involving McKenna promises to be an absorbing narrative, with both clubs aiming to fortify their squads with an eye on securing his services before the transfer window closes.