Celtic is reportedly leading the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna during the January transfer window. The Scotland international is expected to leave Forest after falling out of favor, and the club is keen to sell him to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires in the summer. While Forest is open to selling McKenna, the reported deal with Celtic is said to be a loan move.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to strengthen the team’s defense in the ongoing title race with Rangers. Nat Phillips has returned to Liverpool after a short loan spell, and Gustaf Lagerbielke’s future at the club appears uncertain. The addition of Scott McKenna on loan could provide defensive support for Celtic.
On another note, Yuki Kobayashi is likely to leave Celtic after a year, having failed to make an appearance under Rodgers this season. The 23-year-old is expected to join Yokohama F. Marinos, now managed by Harry Kewell, who worked with him at Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers expressed a desire to conduct transfer business early in the month, but he emphasized the need for patience, citing the example of missing out on the signing of Declan Rice during his first spell at Celtic. Rodgers revealed that Celtic were close to securing Rice’s services, but injuries at West Ham provided an opportunity for the now £100m Arsenal and England midfielder, which he took.
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