Celtic might need Scott McKenna now more than ever.
Celtic have reportedly been rocked by the news that Filip Benkovic is out for the season.
According to The Scottish Sun, the Leicester City loanee suffered a ‘leg injury’ in the 3-0 win over Hamilton last weekend and won’t play for Celtic again this season, if at all. If true, it’s devastating for the Hoops’ hopes of pipping Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title come May.
It was reported this morning [Glasgow Evening Times] that manager Brendan Rodgers could use the last two days of the January transfer window to sign a replacement – and is it time he broke the bank for Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna?
McKenna, who has a short-term hamstring injury, has been heavily linked with the Bhoys on a regular basis since last summer, when Rodgers saw a £3.5 million bid turned down [BBC Sport], but it’s far more important that the Northern Irishman goes all out to get him now.
The 22-year-old is destined to leave Pittodrie. It’s a matter of when, not if, and a big-money offer before tomorrow’s deadline could tempt the Dons, who value him at £10 million [The Record].
They won’t want to sell up mid-season, but if the money is right then it’ll at least ask the question and that’s what the Celtic manager needs to do.
For now, their best two available centre-backs are Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic. One is 20 years old, and the other is a shadow of the defender he once was.
It’s vitally important that they replace Benkovic if the rumours are true, and Celtic, who have £17 million in player sales from last summer stashed away, need to get serious about McKenna.
Their 10-in-a-row bid might depend on spending.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
