Wright out to snap up McKenzie

Tommy Wright is closing in on a pre-contract deal for Kilmarnock winger Rory McKenzie.

The St Johnstone boss, who is also looking to secure Danny Swanson for a third time, is a long-time admirer of former Scotland under-21 cap McKenzie and Courier Sport understands talks to lure the 24-year-old winger away from Rugby Park in the summer are at an advanced stage.

And, if the deal can be concluded, Saints will then test the water with Killie about securing McKenzie this month.

The winger has made more than 150 appearances, 19 this term, and has scored two goals.

Wright is also keen to be reunited with Hibs wide man Swanson just months after the Perth club’s player of the season and top scorer was lured away to his boyhood heroes.

With Michael O’Halloran returning to Rangers after his short-term return, outof-favour Swanson has been targeted to fill the void with a loan deal through to the summer.

Swanson, 31, fell foul of Hibs boss Neil Lennon for breaking a curfew during the recent trip to the Algarve, along with Anthony Stokes and Martin Boyle.

Wright threw Swanson a lifeline after an ill-fated move to Hearts and now he’s keen to hook-up again with his former playmaker.

Meanwhile, Saints have released fringe player Craig Thomson.

The 22-year-old winger, who had loan spells with Elgin and Stranraer, only made five first team starts.

Former Saints midfielder Kevin Moon has returned to Scottish football with Stirling Albion following a stint playing in Australia.

The 30-year-old spent last season on the books of Aussie outfit ECU Joondalup.

Moon, who has also enjoyed spells with Forfar, Alloa and Raith Rovers, has joined League Two Binos until the end of the season.

Kevin Moon has joined Stirling Albion.