The January transfer market began earlier this week, and Scott McKenna, a defender for Nottingham Forest, is reportedly being linked to Celtic.
After making just five appearances for the English Premier League team this season, the 27-year-old Scotland international is allegedly available for a “cut price” deal during the transfer window. He is in the final six months of his contract at the City Ground. Supporters of the Hornets will recall that during his first stint as manager, Brendan Rodgers attempted to recruit the defender to Celtic Park.
While McKenna was with Aberdeen, a Scottish Premiership competitor, the Dons turned down a £3.5 million approach from Rodgers’ team in August 2018. They turned down later offers from Queen’s Park Rangers and Aston Villa as well, but in 2020 they finally accepted a £3 million deal from Forest along with add-ons.
The centre back, who was born in Kirriemuir, had already made a name for himself in the Scotland squad by 2020, and he talked with our sister publication The Scotsman. He talked candidly about a variety of topics in that interview, including his connections to Celtic via his father, who owned season tickets.
“My dad owned Celtic season tickets,” he remarked. Around the time that Celtic was winning big in Europe, I attended a couple of their games. I was present when Alan Thompson scored against Barcelona, as I recall. I used to really enjoy seeing a Parkhead game during the week under the lights.”
McKenna is reportedly receiving a lot of interest in transfer window, so if Celtic decides to pursue a move, they may have competition for his services. But the 27-year-old may find it extremely alluring to play European football for the Hoops “under the lights” at Celtic Park given his family ties.
In addition, he will try to stay on Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s radar in the lead-up to the European Championships this summer. Certainly, a switch to the Scottish champs would do that.
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