Aberdeen and Hibs reportedly sent scouts on spying missions to Greece and Portugal over the weekend.
The Premiership sides stepped up preparations for the summer transfer window by sending talent spotters to two matches on the continent.
The Dons, who suffered a 3-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic on Sunday, had scouts at the Greek Superleague clash between Aris and Atromitos while the first-team were in action at Hampden.
As reported by arena.fm , Derby County scouts were also in attendance as the Championship side look to seal a deal for Pittodrie skipper Graeme Shinnie.
Hibs, meanwhile, were represented at Benfica's 4-2 victory over Vitoria Setubal on Saturday, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola .
It's unclear which players either club were there to see, but the groundwork for potential summer deals is already being laid.
Derek McInnes could face yet another Aberdeen rebuild with Shinnie and Gary Mackay-Steven looking increasingly likely to leave.
Paul Heckingbottom reveals Hibs’ transfer plans for the summer window
Max Lowe is expected to return to Derby and there could be renewed interest in Scott McKenna from south of the border.
At Hibs, Paul Heckingbottom remains unbeaten in the Premiership since replacing Neil Lennon but the former Leeds boss will be desperate to mould the squad in his own image.
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