Rangers will be interested in Scott McKenna after Nottingham Forest exit claims friend
Scott McKenna has “got to” have interest from Rangers after leaving Nottingham Forest, according to Stephen O’Donnell.
The Motherwell defender said on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 10 June that the Scotland international, who he knows personally, is sure to be an attractive option for Celtic as well as the two Glasgow giants will value the fact he is available for free and has top flight experience in Scotland.
McKenna leaves the City Ground as his contract expires after spending the second half of last season out on loan at FC Copenhagen.
O’Donnell said: “Regarding McKenna, he’s a player I know really well, I’m friends with him. He’s out of contract and any international who’s out of contract, who’s played in the Premiership 50 times I think there’s got to be interest from both sides of the Old Firm.
“There’ll be lots of interest I’m sure from other clubs in other countries but… would I sign him for Celtic? Probably.”
Celtic more likely than Rangers to sign Scotland international?
O’Donnell was more focused on Celtic in terms of where McKenna might go next and Brendan Rodgers’ side may indeed be the more likely.
Philippe Clement has clearly made improving his defence a priority with three of his moves so far this summer, two new signings and a contract extension, have been in that area.
The imminent arrival of Clinton Nsiala from AC Milan on a free transfer looks like the first step in reinforcing the centre of defence but the youngster is surely not the last as he will arrive without a senior appearance to his name.
McKenna would be a much more experience known quantity, and his contract status makes him attractive to a Rangers manager who has a lot of business to conduct this summer.
Whether he is a clear upgrade on John Souttar, or perhaps more importantly Connor Goldson after a rough season, is perhaps up for debate, as is whether the 27-year-old would be interested in moving to Ibrox.
Harry Souttar is one player who is thought to have plenty of interest in an Ibrox switch just that and is predicted to move on from Leicester, pending a new manager being appointed [Football Scotland, 9 June], although his affordability is questionable, and after such little football in the past 18 months he might not be a certain improvement either.
In other Rangers news, a six-figure payment hasn’t stopped the Light Blues from closing in on another likely signing.
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