Aberdeen are hoping to sign Joe Shaughnessy on a pre-contract agreement- as an insurance policy against losing Scott McKenna.
The St Johnstone skipper left Aberdeen in 2015 but has impressed Derek McInnes by the impact that he has made under Tommy Wright. With his contract expiring in the summer he is free to sign a pre-contract deal with Aberdeen able to offer a vastly superior financial package.
According to The Sun:
ABERDEEN are lining up a shock return to Pittodrie for Joe Shaughnessy.
SunSport understands the Dons have made contact with the centre half about coming back to them next season.
Despite being under contract with Aberdeen until 2023 McKenna was subject to offers from Celtic and Aston Villa during the summer transfer window with his departure now just a matter of timing.
Celtic haven’t signed any defenders on a permanent basis since having their offer for McKenna rejected with central defensive believed to be a priority for Brendan Rodgers.
Transfers between leading Scottish clubs are fairly rare but Rodgers and McInnes have a strong relationship highlighted by Ryan Christie twice going on loan to Aberdeen.
McKenna was on loan at Ayr United two years ago but since returning to Pittodrie and getting a first team opportunity he has forced his way into the Scotland international team.