Jack Hendry in Premier League transfer near miss as one club 'almost took him'

John Carver has told Premier League clubs in England to sign Scotland hero Jack Hendry.

The 27-year-old centre-back moved from Club Brugge in Belgium to Italian strugglers Cremonese in the summer. Despite playing just seven minutes for his new club in Serie A so far, Hendry was outstanding for Scotland in their Nations League triple-header last week.

The defender was an ever-present against Ukraine twice and Republic of Ireland as Steve Clarke’s men topped the group. Carver was delighted for Hendry and says he’s a Premier League star in the making. So much so, he urged clubs in England’s top flight to take him before Cremonese snapped him up. The Scotland number two said: “I really like Jack. I’ve recommended him to a couple of Premier League clubs and, without going into detail, one of them almost took him in the summer.

“He’s a centre-back who can play and he’s quick. That’s an attribute you need in the Premier League. If you’re quick and you’re comfortable in possession, you have a chance of playing in the Premier League.

“This is part of his development now. He wasn’t getting a game in Brugge so he had to go and play. He’s gone out to Italy and hopefully he’ll get a run of games.

“Clubs will be watching him. Everyone wants a centre-back with pace. I hope he ends up back in the UK - because it’ll be easier for me to watch him!

“The more players in the national team we have playing in the Premier League, the better it will be for us. Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey have gone down there and look at how they’re developing in that environment (at Everton and Brentford). Who knows? Jack could be the next one.”

Hendry played in the Champions League for Brugge last season against the likes of Manchester City and PSG but