I know Scott McKenna well from my previous involvement in Aberdeen’s development programme.
I tried to guide the central defender as well as I possibly could. He was keen to listen, learn, was very professional and always played a year ahead of himself. In a nutshell, he always had a chance of reaching the Dons first team.
Since then, Scott has also put on the required bulk, which has seen him become a mainstay for the Reds this season – I’m not surprised an English team have come calling.
Hull City boss Nigel Adkins has been knocked back for now, but he seems ready to table an improved offer soon enough.
It’s unclear what Scott’s views are on the situation.
From my perspective, I think he should stay at Aberdeen for a while longer before making a move down south.
He’s developed magnificently well this term, starting 15 of the Dons’ last 16 matches, but he’s got plenty of development left in him.
There’s been plenty of players who have taken the move at an early age – bearing in mind Scott is still only 21 – and not really kicked on in the way they would have liked.
The examples which stand out for me are the likes of Jack Grimmer and Fraser Fyvie.
Grimmer left Pittodrie at 17 to join then Premier League Fulham, but has played most of his football in League One and League Two.
Fyvie moved to Wigan at 19, but is now playing in the Scottish Championship with Dundee United.
However, it can work out – just look at Ryan Fraser’s exploits at Premier League Bournemouth.
Given Scott’s age, he could be slapped with a “one for the future” tag at Hull, when he’s a first team fixture for Derek McInnes.
Once he’s played 100 or 150 games for Aberdeen, he will be in a far better position to try his hand in England.
The Dons’ youth development system is starting to pay dividends and the club will have to get used to bids for more players like Scott.
I will say this, if Aberdeen do decide to sell their best young prospect, they have to make sure they’re getting the fee he’s worthy of – certainly seven figures.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Express website. For more information, read about our new combined website.