BBC Sport pundit Tam McManus has said that Celtic should retain their interest in Aberdeen centre-back Scott McKenna after failing with an approach during the summer transfer window. The Hoops were on the trail of the 22-year-old at the beginning of the season but a deal never materialised after Aberdeen slapped a £10m price tag on the defender’s head.

However, McManus has now revealed that the Hoops could land the centre-back for just half the value this month, although Aberdeen could have other plans on mind, he tweeted: “£5million for Scott McKenna would be a steal and a great bit of business for Celtic. Crying out for that type of centre-half for a while. I do think though if Aberdeen hold out until the summer someone in England would definitely pay more for him he’s perfectly suited to the English game.”

Celtic’s struggles this term have come through the limited quality at the heart of the defence and that could receive a boost with the signing of McKenna. The Glasgow giants have largely depended on Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata for the central defensive duties this term but they are standing the strong chance of losing both players when the season concludes.

“Boyata has already decided against extending his contract beyond the summer in order to push for a Premier League comeback“. Benkovic, on the other hand, should return to Leicester City after “the season-long loan“ and reports indicate that manager Claude Puel could utilise the defender’s services with more regularity next term.

Despite the ups and downs, Celtic are currently top of the Scottish Premiership this season and are ahead of Rangers with a superior goal difference and game in hand. They return from the winter break with a Scottish Cup fourth round tie against minnows Airdrieonians.