Derek McInnes wants to make a pre-contract pitch for Allan Campbell in January as Aberdeen attempt to beat Hibs to the punch over yet another signing.
Record Sport revealed yesterday the Easter Road side are keen and monitoring Motherwell star Campbell’s situation closely but the Dons will rival any move.
McInnes has put the Scotland under-21 cap amongst the top of his out of contract targets.
He wants Aberdeen to be in a position to table a pre-contract offer in January to sign him.
The Pittodrie side know they will face stiff competition from both sides of the border but want to be in the fight.
Aberdeen have already beaten Hibs in recent seasons to the signings of Funso Ojo and Ross McCrorie.
The Dons know they would have to pay around £200,000 in training compensation but would be prepared to do that for another top young Scottish player.
They also know it is unlikely Motherwell will sell in this window unless they receive a substantial offer.
McInnes praised Campbell for his recent performance at Pittodrie as Motherwell beat Aberdeen 3-0.
He said: “Campbell came up and played to win points, we played to play a game of football. Campbell encapsulated Motherwell’s performance. We needed more Allan Campbells in our team today.”
The midfield dynamo has been a standout for Motherwell in recent seasons and the Steelmen have also offered him a new deal beyond the summer.
Several English and Scottish clubs have already expressed an interest in the youngster.
Aberdeen have already shown with the signing of Lewis Ferguson from Hamilton and McCrorie from Rangers that they will spend money to get Scottish players with potential.
That was why chairman Dave Cormack allowed McInnes to sign McCrorie on-loan from Rangers for the season and will make the deal permanent for £350,000 in the summer.
