Scott McKenna’s homecoming – Celtic one of three Scottish clubs linked

According to SportsBoom journalist Neil Goulding, McKenna is a target for Celtic, alongside fellow Scottish Premiership clubs theRangers and Hibs. Goulding reports:

“Scottish clubs Celtic, (the)Rangers, and Hibernian are interested in signing Scotland international Scott McKenna from Spanish side Las Palmas. The experienced centre-back has a relegation release clause in his contract and is looking for a move back to Scotland or England.”

This is not the first time Celtic have had McKenna on their radar. The 28-year-old defender, who has 42 caps for Scotland, was a player the Hoops looked at closely last summer. However, while interest was very much real, the club ultimately baulked at McKenna’s wage demands – a stumbling block that saw him make the switch to La Liga side Las Palmas instead.

McKenna’s move to Spain didn’t go to plan as Las Palmas was relegated 

Unfortunately for McKenna, the move to Spain didn’t go to plan. Las Palmas endured a difficult season in the Spanish top flight, finishing 19th and suffering relegation, activating a release clause in the defender’s contract. Now, with his time in Gran Canaria at an end, McKenna appears open to a move back to familiar territory.

The big question now is whether Celtic’s interest remains strong

The big question now is whether Celtic’s interest remains strong – or if Brendan Rodgers has his sights set elsewhere. One key factor to consider is the club’s pursuit of Dutch defender Justin De Haas, who has been reported in recent days as a strong candidate for the left-sided centre-back role.

McKenna would undoubtedly bring experience and physical presence to the backline, and as a homegrown talent, he fits well within UEFA squad registration quotas. But with Rodgers known for favouring ball-playing defenders who are comfortable stepping out of the backline, the style of De Haas may edge him into pole position.

That said, McKenna’s leadership, defensive nous, and knowledge of the Scottish game make him a compelling option—especially with the rigours of domestic competition and European football demanding depth and rotation.

Celtic expected to build up their summer business in the coming days

With pre-season in full swing and Celtic expected to build up their summer business in the coming days, particularly with the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como swelling the bank balance still further, it remains to be seen whether McKenna is more than just a fallback option. Could the Hoops be preparing a second swoop – this time one that gets over the line?

One thing’s for certain – with interest from both sides of the Glasgow divide, Celtic would need to move decisively if they want to bring McKenna to the club.

It wouldn’t be a transfer window without the habitual link to Scott McKenna

It is unlikely Hibs would be able to match McKenna’s wage demands unless his wish to return to Scotland outweighs his wish to maximise his salary, and although it’s not impossible that McKenna would sign on at Ibrox, the fact he’s a Celtic supporter, would likely mean he may think twice about making that move.

It wouldn’t be a transfer window without the habitual link to Scott McKenna, but as a free agent, and perhaps a player looking to return to Scotland, it may be that this time around a deal could be done.

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