Aberdeen captain Scott Brown was on hand to take in Hibs clash with Dundee - but next boss frontrunner Shaun Maloney wasn't in the stands.
The former Celtic winger – currently coach with the Belgium national team under Roberto Martinez – is in advanced talks with Easter Road chiefs and a deal could be struck before the end of the week.
Across Maloney's two spells at Parkhead he spent three years playing alongside current skipper Brown.
However, he missed out on a reunion with his old pal with Maloney choosing not to watch his presumed new team from the stands against Dundee.
Chief executive Ben Kensell was spotted alongside Brown after telling fans on Tuesday he was hopeful the process was “coming to a conclusion” after holding talks with a preferred candidate.
Dons' skipper Brown has taken his first steps into management at Pittodrie after taking on the role as Stephen Glass' coach in the summer.
Maloney is set to face off against Brown in his first Premiership game in charge.
Aberdeen make the trip to the capital to face Maloney's Hibs on December 22 following the Premier Sports Cup Final between the Hibees and Celtic on Sunday.
