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Celtic transfer news: Aberdeen boss SNUBS Scott McKenna proposal, Swansea and Hull keen
CELTIC look set to miss out on Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna after his manager ruled out a sale to the Hoops.
Celtic are keen to bring McKenna to the club before the August 31 transfer deadline.
Express Sport understands they are also eyeing a deal for Wolfsburg’s Jeffrey Bruma.
But Brendan Rodgers looks likely to miss out on McKenna after an opening bid was rejected by Aberdeen.
Speaking in his press conference today, Dons manager Derek McInnes - himself formerly a Celtic target - said if McKenna does leave it will be to an English club.
“Celtic had a conversation with us, they made an offer and it was rejected so we move on,” McInnes said.
“We are in no rush to sell Scott and when he does move, which he will at some point, it will probably be to a Premier League club down south.”
McKenna is rated at Pittodrie at £10m - a fee Celtic were hoping to beat down.
Championship sides Hull and Swansea are also in for the 21-year-old.
The Scotland international became a key member of the Dons first team last terms after stints on loan at Ayr and Alloa.
Celtic play FK Suduva in the Europa League first-leg playoff tonight as they seek to compete in the group stage of a European competition this season.
They have already knocked back a bid from Porto for defender Olivier Ntcham, believed to be in the region of £13m.
Ahead of the match, Rodgers confirmed Celtic will be without three men due to injury.
"[Boyata] has a problem with his back that he struggled with last week," Rodgers told BBC Sport.
"Overall his fitness, in terms of being ready to come in, isn't there.
"If he doesn't feel right, and this is what we're gauging him on, then I can't afford to play him.
“I need the players who are going to be physically and mentally right for us because they're really important for us.
"Edouard is still recovering. He's working well and it'll probably be the beginning of next week.
“Jack Hendry played with a really sore ankle at the weekend and isn't available for the game."