Nottingham Forest

Rangers won’t face a transfer battle with Celtic to land Scott McKenna, according to a report.

Published

11 months ago

January 6, 2024

It’s claimed Brendan Rodgers is not interested in a move for the Scotland international.

It comes after reports on Friday linked both Celtic and Rangers with a January swoop for the Nottingham Forest centre-back.

McKenna, 27, hasn’t played for club side Forest since September and is expected to depart the club during the current transfer window.

Sky Sports had first reported a possible loan switch to Glasgow this month with a view to a free transfer deal in the summer upon the expiry of his contract at the Premier League side.

McKenna signed for Forest in September 2020 from Aberdeen but he has since fallen out of favour. This season he has only played five times in the Premier League.

Ahead of the Euros this summer, the 27-year-old will be aiming to play to ensure he is involved in Steve Clarke’s plans for the tournament.

However, it’s now reported that Celtic will not be McKenna’s destination, potentially clearing a route to Ibrox.

A Daily Record report states Rangers “won’t face a transfer battle with Celtic” should they look to sign McKenna.

It’s claimed Celtic boss Rodgers has not included McKenna in a list of possible defensive targets this month.

McKenna was previously linked with a move to Celtic during his time at Aberdeen but chiefs pulled out of a deal refusing to up their initial £3.5m offer.

Pittodrie chiefs booted out the offer during Rodgers first spell at Celtic before a “club record fee” was agreed with Forest.

Despite being frozen out for his club, McKenna has regularly featured for Scotland – starting all four of the last matches under Clarke.