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Brendan Rodgers confirms Celtic bid for Scott McKenna, but Bhoys have given up hope

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the first leg UEFA Champions League Qualifier between Celtic and Rosenborg at Celtic Park Stadium on ...
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Celtic have given up hope of signing Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna.

Scott McKenna of Scotland controls the ball during the Vauxhall International Challenge match between Scotland and Costa Rica at Hampden Park on March 23, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that the club’s pursuit of Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna appears to be over before it ever really started.

The Bhoys are looking to strengthen their defensive options before the end of the transfer window, having recently added a left back in Emilio Izaguirre and a winger in Daniel Arzani.

With Dedryck Boyata’s future still up in the air, Celtic have been looking for other defenders to boost Rodgers’ squad, especially as Marvin Compper is already a forgotten man following his January move from RB Leipzig.

On Wednesday, BBC Sport reported that Celtic submitted a £3.5million bid for Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna, but the Dons immediately batted away that bid.

The 21-year-old centre back – already a Scotland international regular – has starred in the Aberdeen first team, and is one of the most promising young Scottish defenders alongside John Souttar, Liam Lindsay and current Celtic ace Jack Hendry.

Unsurprisingly, Aberdeen are desperate to keep McKenna at Pittodrie, and it seems that Celtic have already given up hope of bringing him to Parkhead before next week’s transfer deadline.

Scott McKenna of Aberdeen during the Brechin City v Aberdeen - Pre Season Friendly, at Glebe Park on July 23, 2017 in Brechin, Scotland.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun ahead of tonight’s Europa League qualifying clash against FK Suduva, Celtic boss Rodgers has confirmed that he likes McKenna and talks were held, but Aberdeen stood firm, with the Bhoys no longer pursuing his signature.

“He’s a young player that I like,” said Rodgers. “However the clubs have spoken and it was made clear Scott won’t be for sale or available in this window. So that would end that,” he added.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the first leg UEFA Champions League Qualifier between Celtic and Rosenborg at Celtic Park Stadium on July 25, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.