Why Burnley would be wise to sign Scott McKenna
Burnley are hoping to lure highly rated Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna to the Premier League, according to Daily Mail.
A natural-born leader who captained the national team on only his fourth appearance for his country, McKenna has all the tools needed to establish himself in a more high-profile competition. And as one might expect from a defender who has been a gossip column regular for nigh-on 18 months, McKenna is not short of interest (h/t Daily Mail).
The Clarets could move for the 23-year-old with Ben Gibson potentially on his way to the Bundesliga (h/t Daily Mail). Sean Dyche’s side have been uncharacteristically slack at the back in recent months, conceding 34 goals in 21 Premier League games. Thus, added competition for Ben Mee and James Tarkowski would be welcomed at Turf Moor.
Centre-back Gibson, 26, only joined Premier League Burnley last summer but has endured a difficult debut season at Turf Moor, making just one appearance in the top flight.
McKenna is an old school centre-half, who often throws his body on the line to block a goal-bound shot. In that sense, he is the kind of defender who could thrive under Dyche at Burnley while his technical abilities should not be underestimated.
Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Huddersfield Town are interested too but it remains to be seen if they are capable of stumping up the £6million fee that Aberdeen want for their key man. Burnley, for what it’s worth, should go all out to meet McKenna’s price tag.
Verdict
Burnley have been struggling this season. Although they have Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, signing someone like Scott McKenna would boost their chances of fighting for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
