Aston Villa are still interested in signing Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna, according to HITC.
The 21-year-old was targeted by Villa in the summer and was the subject of a bid from the Midlands club on Deadline Day.
The departures of seven senior defenders in a summer exodus has left the club’s backline in need of bolstering and Bruce rates McKenna highly. The Championship side have been linked with several unattached defenders, including former Liverpool loanee Steven Caulker. However, they would have to wait until January to seal a deal for McKenna, who is under contract at the Pittodrie Stadium.
Despite his tender age, the defender has already captained the Scottish national team and established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the UK.
His potential and the fact that he has interested the likes of Celtic could make McKenna an expensive addition, but Villa’s recent takeover has provided Bruce with a cash injection.
Speaking to the Evening Express, Bruce discussed his interest in the former Ayr United loanee:
“I spoke to Derek McInnes 10 days before (the window closed). But the stance was that he wasn’t for sale. It was like us with (Jack) Grealish – he wasn’t for sale in this window We didn’t like to hear that, but a bit like what we did with Jack, they did with Scott McKenna.”
“He is someone we have had a look at, Scott. But there are two or three other players in Scotland we have been looking at as well.
“We will see what develops.”
However, with over three months to go until the opening of the transfer window, Villa will need to strengthen before and could still opt to add a free agent to the ranks.
Sheffield Wednesday visit Villa Park on Saturday, with just two points separating the sides ahead of the clash.
