Derby County have opened talks with Graeme Shinnie over a potential summer move.
The 27-year-old, who can operate in both midfield and left-back, is out of contract at Aberdeen in the summer so can move on a free transfer.
Derbyshire Live report that Shinnie, who is captain of the Dons, has been at Pride Park to discuss a potential move.
His club have given him permission to talk to other clubs and he was spotted at Derby yesterday, being shown around the stadium.
Bristol City are one of a number of clubs said to be chasing him, with the Robins' interest in the player stretching back to last summer.
As well as the Robins, Rangers, Hearts, Sheffield Untied and Hull City have also been credited with an interest in the player.
Former Aberdeen skipper - and ex-Robin - Paul Hartley believes Shinnie has a "big decision" to make on his future.
Hartley, who played in England with Millwall as well as Bristol City, told the Press & Journal : "Derek McInnes (Aberdeen manager) will still be hoping he will stay.
"Graeme would be going to a tough league and will have to prove himself again.
"He’s been a good servant for Aberdeen and he’s got a big decision to make – it will be the one that’s right for him and his family.
"I had one or two options when I went to Bristol City but I felt the challenge of the Championship, with different teams, different styles of play and different stadiums, appealed to me.
"It’s a league where if you get out of it, the reward is getting to the Premier League. There’s good crowds and it’s a bigger league.
"But you only have to look at the clubs who have been relegated (to the Championship) and are struggling to get out, to know there’s some big teams there.
"Graeme will make the right decision for him and his family – he’s at an age now, 27, where he should be hitting his peak."
