Championship clubs kick start transfer battle for new Scotland hero

JACK MacKENZIE is being tracked by Championship clubs Preston, Sheffield United and Stoke City.

The Aberdeen left-back, 24, won his first senior Scotland call-up this week after his impressive form.

3

And his Pittodrie progress hasn’t gone unnoticed down south.

MacKenzie, who is a free agent at the end of the season, has been a key part of Aberdeen’s stunning start to the campaign having won all 13 of their games and the Dons want him on a new deal.

MacKenzie could sign a pre-contract in three months’ time and it’s understood the English club would likely be keen to wait until next summer.

Asked about the left-back’s contract situation recently, Dons boss Jimmy Thelin said: “The dialogue with the club is good.

“Let’s see what will happen but I can’t speak for the players. There is a process there.”

MacKenzie revealed that he had no idea he was even on Steve Clarke‘s radar after being drafted into the squad for the Nations League clashes against Croatia and Portugal.

He said: “When I got the news, I phoned my dad first.

“He has been big inspiration for my football. He has always been there, so it was really nice to share the moment with him and speak to him about it. I also spoke to my mum. It’s a great moment for all the family.

3

“It is an incredible feeling. It is something you dream of as a kid. I’m just absolutely buzzing.

“The only downside is I was looking forward to having two weeks away from Nicky Devlin, but that is obviously not going to be the case any more!

“I had no idea that I was even being considered for a call-up.

“I am full of confidence at the moment and looking forward to the opportunity.

“Staying fit has also been a big plus for me over the last year or so, and that has meant me getting a nice run of games.”

Our New YouTube Channel

Subscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.

We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.

Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…

MONDAY

Go Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.

WEDNESDAY

Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.

FRIDAY

Go Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.

Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page