Aberdeen boss Barry Robson faces an anxious wait to see if Leighton Clarkson will return to Pittodrie next season.
The Dons have a broad agreement in place to sign the midfielder from Liverpool permanently but that is subject to the 21-year-old agreeing terms. Those talks have been on hold because Clarkson wants to have a break and then to consider his options over the summer. Reading, who have just been relegated to League One, are one of the clubs who are interested in the playmaker and he is also on the radar for a number of English Championship clubs.
Clarkson won’t make a decision until he sees what crystallises, especially if it means leaving Liverpool permanently. It has dashed the dreams of many of the Red Army, who thought Clarkson’s message after they clinched third space and a European return would definitely see him back in the North-east. Clarkson tweeted: “A big thank you to everyone involved @AberdeenFC for making this season an unforgettable one.
“From the staff, who helped me so much, to the players who welcomed me from day one and the fans who have given me nothing but respect and appreciation. I have made mates for life and memories that will stay with me forever. Last thing ….. Enjoy the European tour.”
Aberdeen could seal guaranteed European group stage football this weekend if Celtic lift the Scottish Cup. The Dons hope if they get that it could be a major lure for Clarkson.
Aberdeen manager Barry Robson has already started his summer recruitment by signing Nicky Devlin from Livingston, while Ross McCrorie looks set for a £2 million move to Bristol City. The Dons are also still in for Go Ahead Eagles defender Jay Idzes and talks are on-going in the background over a number of their loan players.
Captain Graeme Shinnie is likely to return on a long-term contract, if he can agree a termination at Wigan Athletic. Aberdeen would also want Liam Scales from Celtic but financially that might not be viable, while it remains to be seen if they can persuade defender Mattie Pollock to return from Watford.
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