Aberdeen has just confirmed the signing of Scott McKenna to a new and improved contract which will see him play for the Pittodrie till the summer of 2023. When asked about the situation, McKenna said, “It was an easy decision. It was only mentioned to me last week, so it did not take at all long to get sorted. I love being at this club, I love working with the manager, all the staff and we have a great dressing room. I am very settled here and now I can just focus on my football.”
This obviously comes as a huge blow to EFL Championship side, Aston Villa who were targeting the centre-back for quite some time. Steve Bruce has launched a promising campaign for the Villans now that their hopes of earning promotion looking even better after the weekend 0-3 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Claret and Blues are currently placed in the 3rd spot of the points table, 4 points adrift of the automatic promotion spot behind Cardiff City. While earning promotion to the Premier League remains in their hopes, Bruce needs to plan for life in the top division.
And like the league leaders, Wolves, Villa too would have to bring in competent players who will be able to face the challenges of top-flight English football. Restrengthening is highly necessary and Scott McKenna could have been the right addition in terms of future promise.
However, since his transfer is no longer on the table here are a few candidates Bruce should consider for the summer window.
Liam Lindsay
If you’re looking for a young player showing similar promise as McKenna, Barnsley’s Liam Lindsay is your man. The 22-year-old has had a major hand in the Tykes’ current campaign with 33 appearances across all competitions and scouts from elite clubs have taken notice.
His contract with the Championship side is expected to run till the summer of 2020 and Bruce can convince the youngster to make the switch based on the promise of top division football.
Kortney Hause
The 22-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers player is a surplus to their requirements with the current lineup featuring, Willy Boly, Conor Coady, Ryan Bennett and Danny Batth on a regular basis. He is a young prodigy who is highly rated after his impressive display for the U21 England team.
Florin Gardos
The Southampton flop will be a free agent after this season currently serving the remainder of his contract with Universitatea Craiova. While his time with the Saints has been less than impressive, Bruce can turn his career around by allowing him to feature on a regular basis.
