‘Very confident’ Euro 2024 defender sold by Celtic now interesting West Ham and Fulham

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Scottish defender Jack Hendry is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, as well as teams from the Saudi Pro League.

The 2024 European Championships was not a good time for Scottish defender Jack Hendry as Steve Clarke’s men were eliminated from the competition in Germany at the hands of Hungary, thanks to a last minute goal.

Hendry moved to Saudi Arabia last summer from Belgian side Club Brugge when he joined Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.

The 29-year-old Scotsman, who previously had a spell at Celtic before being sold in 2021, was one of the most impressive players for Ettifaq as they enjoyed the second best defensive record in the division, conceding just 34 times in 48 games.

Hendry attracting Premier League interest

He was also the only foreign player to play every single minute and it was his impressive performances that brought him to the attention of some of the PIF owned clubs, particularly Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, both of whom are understood to be looking the Scottish central defender.

As well as this, there is also understood to be interest from the Premier League and HITC can reveal that Fulham, Leicester City and West Ham United are some of the sides who are understood to be taking a look at the experienced defender.

As mentioned, despite the struggles of his national side at Euro 2024, Hendry was perhaps one of a few players who came away from the tournament with some praise as he started in all three games for his national team.

Hendry could be a smart signing for these Premier League clubs

Hendry was once praised for performing very well during the 1-1 draw between Club Brugge and Paris-Saint Germain as the Scottish Champions dealt with the threat of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar very well.

Former Scotland manager Alex McCleish was also very complimentary of the defender after his side’s 1-0 win over Hungary in 2018.

“Scott McKenna was amazing tonight. He had a really strong game,” McLeish told BBC Scotland. “He has had two excellent games and was even better tonight.

“I thought big Jack was very cool and calm and very confident.”

Hendry once said playing against the likes of Mbappe gives him ‘great confidence’ and a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards this summer.