A defender linked with Celtic might be open to a discounted deal this month as the club aims to capitalize on the opportunity.
Brendan Rodgers attempted to secure the services of a Nottingham Forest center-back in 2018 while he was still managing Aberdeen. As the January transfer window unfolds, teams nationwide have been actively involved in signing new players and offloading others to new destinations.
The latest round of Scottish Premiership matches, which saw Celtic triumph 3-0 against St Mirren and Rangers securing a 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Ibrox, marked the conclusion of fixtures for three weeks due to the league entering the ‘winter break.’ This break provides clubs with an opportunity to focus on their transfer business while the window is open.
Celtic is anticipated to make strategic moves during this window, with the reinforcement of the center-back position seen as a priority for manager Brendan Rodgers. Recent reports suggest a potential boost for Celtic, as a transfer target, Scott McKenna, is reportedly available for a ‘cut price’ deal this month. Rodgers is said to be reigniting his interest in McKenna, whom he attempted to sign during his initial tenure at Parkhead in 2018. Currently with Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League, the 27-year-old defender has seen limited action, making only five first-team appearances this season.
Football Insider reports that Nottingham Forest is willing to part ways with the Scottish international for a ‘cut price’ transfer fee, seeking to capitalize on the opportunity with his contract set to expire in the summer. Despite Celtic’s interest, there is competition from other clubs vying for McKenna’s signature. In August 2018, when McKenna was a pivotal player for Aberdeen, Celtic’s £3.5 million offer was rejected by the Dons. Subsequent offers from clubs such as Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers were also rebuffed before McKenna was eventually sold to Forest in 2020 for an initial fee of £3 million, with potential add-ons that could elevate the total sum to £6 million.
