Scott McKenna appears to have shut down speculation linking him with a move to Celtic this summer after insisting he expects to remain at Dinamo Zagreb for years to come.
The Scotland international has enjoyed a good first season in Croatia following his free transfer move last summer and played a major role as Dinamo Zagreb win the league.
His performances throughout the campaign reportedly attracted strong interest from Celtic, with scouts said to have watched him four times during Dinamo’s title run-in.
The Hoops were believed to be considering a move as they prepare for another major rebuild this summer, particularly with uncertainty surrounding several defensive positions.
But Dinamo have made it clear they want to keep hold of the 28-year-old and reports in Croatia have suggested the club now value him at around £10million after signing him for nothing only a year ago.
Now McKenna himself has strongly suggested he is not planning to leave anytime soon.
Speaking after Dinamo secured the title, he said:
“I have a four-year contract, so I’m here for a few more years.
“I knew I was going to the World Cup, but my focus was completely on Dinamo.
“Now we’ve won the double and I can dedicate myself to Scotland and going to the World Cup.”
The defender also reflected on Dinamo’s dramatic turnaround during the second half of the season.
“It’s been a long season and it hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve stuck together and are enjoying ourselves as a team now.
“I’m happy for everyone — the fans, the coaches and everyone at the club.
“It’s a crazy feeling.
“Of course, qualifying with Scotland was something special.
“We made it to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and winning the trophy with Dinamo is also a special experience.
“I enjoyed every second.
“There’s no better feeling than celebrating the trophy with the fans.”
McKenna then praised the stability shown by the club during difficult moments earlier in the campaign.
“There were some tough times in the first part of the season.
“We stuck together, the board supported the manager and we’ve been incredible since Christmas.
“We’ve been scoring a lot of goals in a lot of games and it’s been really good to watch.” [TCW]
Given both Dinamo’s valuation and McKenna’s latest comments, any Celtic move now looks increasingly unlikely this summer.
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One Response
Every transfer window that comes around these same old names of average players are linked with moves to Celtic. McKenna is more suited to Kilmarnock. A club like Celtic must aim higher for quality players. I think we’re all sick and tired of these bargain basement hasbeen deals.