Wigan Athletic could strike gold by plotting a January move to lure this Scottish Premiership powerhouse

Why Wigan Athletic should make a January swoop for Scott McKenna

According to a report from the Daily Record, Aberdeen had rejected a £7million offer from Aston Villa for star defender Scott McKenna in summer. Despite Aberdeen rejecting Aston Villa’s offer, the Championship club remain keen for the Scotsman’s services in January.

Scott McKenna became a mainstay in the Aberdeen backline last season and captained the Scotland national team as well, albeit in the defeat to Mexico last June. Slowly but steadily, the 21-year-old has turned into one of the most in-demand players in Scotland.

McKenna’s performances at the heart of Aberdeen’s defence have caught the eye of Aston Villa and a number of English clubs, but Wigan Athletic should try signing him in January.

Wigan Athletic have enjoyed life in the Championship after winning the League One title last season. The Latics have shown good quality going forward but at the back, they have looked far from strong, which has resulted in the team dropping a lot of points this season.

Chey Dunkley and Cedric Kipre have formed a strong partnership at the back but at times, they have looked vulnerable this campaign. Cedric Kipre joined Wigan from Motherwell in summer but has blown hot and cold so far. The 6ft 3in Ivorian still needs time to adapt to the demands of the Championship before he starts dishing out stellar performances in the Wigan rearguard.

Furthermore, Wigan will lose Dan Burn to Brighton in New Year, meaning Paul Cook prioritise bringing in a replacement for one of his last season’s stars. Scott McKenna would be the perfect fit to replace Dan Burn in January.

McKenna has already shown his combative nature and maturity that has made him one of the most promising young defenders in Scotland. Strong and physical, the 21-year-old is comfortable playing out from the back and loves to make tackles. At 6ft 3in, the 21-year-old cuts a commanding figure at the back and has all the physical tools needed to be a success in England.

Wigan don’t have much quality as far as their defensive ranks are concerned. And the midway departure of Burn would further lighten Cook’s options at the back. Hence, signing McKenna would make utmost sense for Wigan as he will bring quality as well as add depth to the squad.

Read more: Wigan would be better off signing this 22-year-old Scottish league sensation in the summer rather than January

McKenna, regardless of his tender age, has demonstrated great maturity and has shown huge promise in his raw career. Given that he is just 21, he could prove to be a fantastic long-term investment for Wigan.