David Bates admits there was transfer interest in him from other Scottish clubs after being linked with Hearts.
But the former Rangers defender has penned a three-year deal with Aberdeen.
Robbie Neilson ’s hunt for new centre backs lead to a reported enquiry to Hamburg about Bates, who had been frozen out at the Bundesliga 2 club.
However, it's understood that it didn’t go any further and the Jambos moved on to other targets.
Bristol City defender Taylor Moore arrived on a season-long loan on Friday and made his debut as a substitute in yesterday’s 2-0 Premiership victory at Dundee United.
And Hearts are also reportedly trying to land highly-rated Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite on loan before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Bates spoke today about the Scottish interest in him after being unveiled as an Aberdeen player.
“I thought it was really important for me to try and settle somewhere and enjoy football somewhere, kick on and hopefully have a good few years,” he told Red TV.
“I knew the interest quite early on. I had interest in Scotland.
"I spoke with the manager. I’ve heard really good things about him. What he said to me about how he wants to play it really suits me down to a tee as well. It was a big pull.”
