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Aston Villa remain in the hunt to sign Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna despite Steve Bruce's departure, FootballInsider reports.

What's the word?

Changes are afoot at Villa after the club announced the decision to axe Steve Bruce from his managerial position on Wednesday, which suggested there could be a huge shake-up in the club's transfer operations.

However, it seems that is not the case as FootballInsider states that Villa remain in the hunt for Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna - a player who Bruce failed to bring to Villa Park in the summer after seeing approaches rejected.

Villa are ready to revive their interest in the 21-year-old Scotland international when the transfer window reopens in January as they seek to bolster a defensive line which has won just one of the last ten matches in all competitions.

The right recruit?

One of the major issues Aston Villa fans had with Steve Bruce this season was his continued decision to play members of his squad out of position, with defence being a major part of this, and that in itself provides evidence that improvements are needed in the market.

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McKenna, widely regarded to be one of the best young defenders in British football, would certainly be a solid addition to aid Villa's promotion hopes but he does not have the experience at the back that the club are crying out for.

Whoever takes charge of Villa should certainly plot a swoop for McKenna but should also be eyeing another defensive addition, bringing in a more experienced figure that can fill the void left by John Terry's departure in the summer.