Scott McKenna likely transfer destination named as Rangers and Celtic transfer battle mooted
Scotland man Scott McKenna has been linked away from Nottingham Forest this summer but Stevie Clifford says the defender would likely choose Celtic over Rangers.
Speaking on The Rangers Review [21 May, 8m 30s], Clifford was far from confident of the Light Blues’ chances of landing the 27-year-old, who has spent this season on loan at FC Copenhagen in Denmark.
Rangers require several shrewd recruits if they are to reclaim top spot in Scotland over their bitter rivals, and McKenna would be an encouraging signing for any side back north of the border.
“If [McKenna] has a choice between Celtic and Rangers, he’s only going one place and that’s not Rangers,” admitted Clifford.
“I do wish we would venture a bit further out than the obvious guy who’s Scottish and isn’t really that great. It’s a no from me.”
Rangers pursuing defensive targets
Rangers will have to strengthen key areas of the side, including at the back, if they are to fire on all cylinders next term, and Philippe Clement knows the importance of keeping pace with Celtic.
Two seasons under Clement of finishing behind the old enemy would constitute failure despite what they may achieve in cup competitions and in Europe, with defensive names linked of late consisting of Levski Sofia’s Jose Cordoba, and Josh Doig of Sassuolo, also wanted by Celtic.
Despite Clifford’s negative view on McKenna, the fact remains that he is a seasoned Scottish international with Premier League and European experience, plus at 27 brings a strong balance of experience and retention of at least a degree of future value.
McKenna himself knows the league, and having grown up in Scotland and represented Aberdeen for many years, is likely to want a crack at the Scottish title at some stage in his career, and this seems as good a time as any.
Which side of Glasgow it is remains to be seen.
In other Rangers news, the club could be set for a cut-price deal to bring in a prolific European striker.
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