Celtic have reportedly made a seven-figure bid for Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna, but saw that offer rejected by their Scottish Premiership rivals.
After an extremely frustrating summer for Brendan Rodgers, it appears that Celtic are now looking to step up their intent in the transfer market, with the Daily Record reporting that they had made a £3.5 million bid for Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna.
The Dons have rejected the opening offer from the Hoops, and the Record reports that they are determined to bag £10 million before they consider letting the Scotland international leave.
It remains to be seen whether Celtic return with an improved offer, but perhaps a report from The Scottish Sun should leave them monitoring developments at Pittodrie during the final days of the transfer window.
The Scottish Sun suggests that Derek McInnes’ men have registered an interest in potentially signing Gareth McAuley following his departure from West Brom earlier in the summer. The report adds that the interest in McAuley has arisen due to the long-term injury sustained by Mark Reynolds and the speculation surrounding McKenna.
Given McAuley’s age, it is unlikely that his potential arrival would see the Dons drop McKenna’s asking price drastically, but perhaps it may make it slightly easier for Celtic to put an offer together that appeals to their Scottish Premiership rivals.
McAuley is a class act and getting him through the door would be an excellent piece of business for Aberdeen. He would not displace McKenna in the side if the latter stays, but having him and the funds that Celtic are willing to pay for the 21-year-old – if they increase their offer significantly – may be tempting at this stage of the window.
McAuley arriving at Aberdeen may not change the situation too much, but perhaps it may just provide Celtic’s hopes of landing McKenna with the small boost the Hoops may be looking for after apparently being quoted £10 million.
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