Middlesbrough face competition from Celtic and Rangers in Nottingham Forest transfer battle | OneFootball

Celtic and Rangers are set to compete for the signing of Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna this January.

According to Sky Sports, the Scottish giants are both weighing up a potential move for the centre-back.

The Scotland international fell down the pecking order under Steve Cooper prior to his dismissal as Forest manager in late 2023.

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo has not provided him a route back into the first team at the City Ground.

This has raised uncertainty over his future with the Premier League side, leading to speculation that he could change clubs during the winter window.

Scott McKenna transfer latest

It was reported in December that Middlesbrough were leading the chase to sign McKenna in the January transfer window.

The defender is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and a bust-up behind the scenes indicates that his future will lie elsewhere.

Celtic and Rangers are set to propose a loan deal for the 27-year-old with a view to signing him as a free agent in the summer.

It remains to be seen what kind of deal Nottingham Forest will be looking to agree to this month, but it is highly likely that he will find a new club before the winter market closes.

Boro will be keen to make some kind of offer for the player given their interest and the number of injury issues the team is currently dealing with.

Michael Carrick’s side will be without Darragh Lenihan and Tommy Smith for the rest of the campaign, with other players also on the sideline on a more short-term basis.

linked with a move for Joe Worrall and Luke Ayling, as they look to bolster their squad for a promotion push in 2024.

Middlesbrough league position

The Teesside outfit is currently 12th in the Championship table, four points adrift of the play-off places after 26 games.

Carrick’s team finished fourth in the standings last year, but were unable to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Boro will be aiming for another top six finish this campaign, as they seek a return to the top flight for the first time since 2017.

Carrick has earned a lot of plaudits for his work at the Riverside, but inconsistent results this season has held the team back from maintaining a top six spot.

Next up for Middlesbrough is an FA Cup clash against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

McKenna would be a good signing for Middlesbrough

McKenna coming in on loan in January would be a great move for Boro as it would give them a closer look at just how good he could be for the team at a risk-free low cost.

If he performs, then signing him as a free agent in the summer will become a real possibility and if he doesn’t then they can walk away from the deal entirely.

The defender has Premier League experience, knows what it takes to gain promotion and is still only 27.