IF reports are true that Celtic are interested in Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna, it seems Celtic have an ace up their sleeve when it comes to negotiations.

The Aberdeen side are just after returning Ryan Christie to Glasgow after a year and a half loan deal up north where the player was a huge hit.

Earlier this summer Derek McInnes expressed an interest in bringing the midfielder in on a permanent basis if he was surplus to requirements at Celtic.

At the time, the Aberdeen boss’ advances were rebuffed by Brendan Rodgers who wanted to see the player in pre-season before making a decision.

Since then, Rodgers has spoken about not being able to give Christie as much game time as the player might like and while he is a good squad player might have to move him on.

News that Sunderland have made an enquiry about taking the young Scot down south should alert Aberdeen to his current availability and we’d be surprised if his name doesn’t come up in any potential deal for Scott.

Celtic fans are split over the Scott McKenna deal, with some believing he’s another unknown quantity much like jack Hendry who has been having a hard time of it. Nonetheless, if Rodgers is hell bent on bringing McKenna in, then a player plus cash deal could be the right move for all parties.

Providing Christie would want to head back to the Dons on a permanent basis.