Scott McKenna linked with Rangers as Derek McInnes weighs up defensive reinforcement
Rangers could be set to strengthen their defence before the summer transfer window closes, with Scott McKenna emerging as a player linked with a potential move to Ibrox.
The Scotland international is no stranger to Derek McInnes, having worked under the Rangers boss during their successful spell together at Aberdeen, and fresh speculation has suggested a reunion could now be on the cards.
McKenna is currently with Dinamo Zagreb after helping the Croatian giants win the league title last season – the first domestic championship medal of his professional career. The 29-year-old has also enjoyed spells with Nottingham Forest and Las Palmas, building valuable experience across several European leagues since leaving Pittodrie.
Although he has returned to Croatia following an injury-hit World Cup campaign with Scotland and is preparing for Dinamo’s Champions League qualifiers, reports linking him with Rangers continue to gather momentum.
Rangers’ defensive issues could prompt action
The start of the new campaign has highlighted the need for additional defensive cover at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes has already overseen significant changes to his squad this summer, but injuries and availability concerns have left Rangers looking light in central defence.
Ben Godfrey is expected to spend a period on the sidelines after picking up an injury during the opening league match of the season, while Olwethu Makhanya’s involvement in Rangers’ upcoming European fixtures has been placed in doubt because of ongoing visa issues.
Those setbacks have left McInnes with fewer options than expected at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Premiership and European fixtures arriving in quick succession.
Given the importance of building consistency at the back, it would not be a surprise if Rangers move for another experienced central defender before the transfer deadline.
McKenna is a player McInnes knows well
One of the biggest attractions of a move for McKenna is the existing relationship between player and manager.
McInnes played a key role in the defender’s development during their time together at Aberdeen, helping him establish himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s best centre-backs before his move to England.
Because of that history, the Rangers boss knows exactly what McKenna would bring to his squad.
The left-footed defender is comfortable playing out from the back, strong in aerial duels and has plenty of experience of handling the pressure that comes with playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
Unlike many overseas signings, McKenna would require little time to adapt to the demands of Scottish football, making him an attractive option if Rangers are looking for an immediate solution rather than a long-term project.
His leadership qualities would also be an asset for a squad that has undergone significant changes during the summer.
Rangers still expected to be busy in the transfer market
Defence is not the only area Rangers are looking to strengthen before the window closes.
McInnes has already welcomed several new faces to Ibrox, including Ivan Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil and Lawrence Shankland, while the club continue to pursue midfield targets such as Vanja Dragojevic and Jens Hjerto-Dahl.
At the same time, further departures remain possible.
Nicolas Raskin continues to attract interest from clubs across Europe following his impressive World Cup performances, while several fringe players are also expected to move on as Rangers continue reshaping the squad.
Adding another experienced centre-back would therefore fit into the club’s wider recruitment strategy as they look to build greater depth across the pitch.
Would a move make sense?
From Rangers’ perspective, McKenna would represent a low-risk signing.
He has already proven himself in Scottish football, has experience at international level and knows exactly what Derek McInnes expects from his defenders.
His familiarity with the manager’s methods could allow him to settle quickly and provide the stability Rangers are searching for as they look to mount a stronger challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
There is currently no indication that formal negotiations have taken place between the clubs, and McKenna remains under contract with Dinamo Zagreb.
However, with Rangers expected to remain active in the market over the coming weeks and McInnes keen to add players he knows and trusts, the Scotland international is a name that is likely to continue featuring prominently in transfer speculation.
Whether the interest develops into a formal approach remains to be seen, but if Rangers decide experience is the priority in central defence, McKenna appears to fit many of the qualities McInnes is looking to add to his squad ahead of another demanding season.