Rangers path clear for January loan-to-buy transfer from Premier League
Rangers will have a clear path to the signing of Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna in January, with Celtic not in the running, according to Keith Jackson.
The Daily Record journalist reported on 5 January that Rangers could land McKenna for a bargain price, with the possibility to sign him on a short-term loan deal until the summer when he would be available for free.
It is said that the defender is desperate to quit Forest in an attempt to secure his place in the Scotland squad for Euro 2024, and a move to Glasgow would allow him to do that.
A difficult deal to turn down
A free transfer for a Scottish international with Premier League experience, as well as previous SPFL experience, presents itself as a no-brainer for the Ibrox club despite his lack of playing time so far this season as he has been frozen out at Forest.
While it is reported that Rangers’ priority in the January window will be on bolstering the attacking talent in Philippe Clement’s squad, defensive reinforcements are still seen as an important requirement.
The ability to bring McKenna in on a loan deal with a view to a permanent move when his contract ends in the summer would represent a smart piece of business from the club. It would allow them to focus their January transfer budget elsewhere.
With the news that, despite reports in England, McKenna is not wanted by Celtic, Rangers’ chances at bringing him to Ibrox have received a massive boost, and they would be silly not to consider pursuing the opportunity this month.
In other Rangers news, another forward wants to move to Ibrox this month.