Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee has been forced to accept defeat in his pursuit of Jim Paterson and Steve MacLean.
Aberdeen fail in their efforts to land Paterson and MacLean
Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee has been forced to accept defeat in his pursuit of Jim Paterson and Steve MacLean.
The Dons were hoping to secure season-long loan deals for the Plymouth pair, with both men having slipped down the pecking order at Home Park.
Unfortunately, financial constraints have scuppered any such move, with Aberdeen unable to match the duo's wage demands.
McGhee is now looking to tie up a deal for Benin international defender Reda Johnson, and land a back-up keeper, before the Dons face Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday.
Johnson's employers, French third division outfit Amiens, are holding firm for a fee for their man, while Aberdeen are keen on a loan agreement, but McGhee is confident a compromise can be reached.
"I have done nothing more about those two (Paterson and MacLean) since I was told about their wages, which we cannot afford," the Dons boss told the
Press and Journal.
"I expect to sign Reda Johnson. His club is digging in its heels but I expect to get him - whether it is a loan deal or a permanent signing, both deals are on the table.
"We are also hoping to sign a goalkeeper by Thursday."
