As per one of the latest reports by The Sun, Steve Bruce is understood to have put Aberdeen prodigy, Scott McKenna, on his radar as they are keen to make him sign on the dotted line before the transfer window shuts down. Aston Villa are very much in the race for promotion to the Premier League after enjoying a decent season so far in the Championship.
However, what they must be eyeing now is a top-two finish in the league table that would hand them a direct ticket to the top flight. Thus, Bruce’s apparent interest to sign McKenna makes complete sense, for he would be able to bring about some freshness into his ranks. But it would not be easy for the Villans to sign him as Hull City are also in the race.
Hull City have been heavily linked with the young defender this month but he is believed to be a crucial member in Derek McInnes’ tactical nous at Aberdeen. Thus, the Dons are reluctant to lose him. The Tigers, as per one of the latest reports by Hull Daily Mail, had made their third bid of more than £700,000 to prise him out of the Pittodrie Stadium.
However, their bid has been rejected and it goes without saying that Aston Villa would have to place a really scrumptious offer to bring him to the Villa Park. McKenna developed in the youth ranks of the Dandies and had loan spells with Ayr United and Alloa United, which really facilitated his developmental process.
He is under a contract with the current club until the summer of 2021, thus putting Aberdeen under no immediate compulsion to strike him off their books. The Scot is a versatile defender, for he is capable of working effectively as a centre-back as well as from either fullback slots. He is still in his learning years and his career is only likely to see an upward trajectory from here onwards.
It has been a breakthrough season for the blossoming starlet and the football fraternity has been quick in acknowledging his progress and noting his qualities. Bruce’s side need to curtail the leakage of goals and considering that McKenna would not only meet their current needs but also be a long-term solution for their backline, he would be a good signing for Aston Villa.