Source: Team_Talk
Dons boss closing in on deals
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee's squad-building exercise is beginning to take shape as he closes in on several signings.[LNB] The club are continuing to negotiate over deals for former Aston Villa and Derby midfielder Lee Hendrie and ex-Huddersfield left-back Robbie Williams.[LNB]McGhee told RedTV: "We are negotiating with their representatives and we need to bring that to a conclusion as soon as possible. I would like them both to be playing at Port Vale on Tuesday."[LNB]Meanwhile, Togo midfielder Yoann Folly and Aston Villa striker Jim Collins impressed McGhee during Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw against Tamworth.[LNB]Folly, 25, had been competing with Pakistan international Adnan Ahmed for a deal but the latter left the club along with fellow trialists Conor Okus and Jeff Smith.[LNB]"I had a bit of a decision which I was helped to make in that Adnan couldn't wait any longer," McGhee said.[LNB]"But I had put Yoann just ahead of him anyway and that showed again. He is an accomplished player and experienced.[LNB]"He wins it and he gives it and I think he gives the likes of Fraser (Fyvie) time to get on the ball and create. I think he would be a good addition to the squad."[LNB]Collins, 20, has also improved his chances of winning a deal.[LNB]"He looked really sharp," McGhee said. "He has got a great work ethic, he's enthusiastic, he wants to get at it and do well.[LNB]"We can use those sort of assets. We'll have a further look at him."[LNB]Former Charlton full-back Grant Basey remains in McGhee's thoughts despite missing the Tamworth game to deal with personal issues.[LNB]And McGhee has not given up hope of signing Paul Hartley from Bristol City despite Hearts declaring their intention to move for their former midfielder.[LNB]"If Hearts come in for him then we have seen what happens with Darren Barr and Kevin Kyle," McGhee said.[LNB]"They will gazump us, no doubt. I spoke to Jim Jefferies and they seem confident that they'll get him.[LNB]"But Hearts are unpredictable. It's never a done deal until it's finalised.[LNB]"So we still hold out hope. He would be a terrific signing for us - his experience, quality and character would make him a great addition to the dressing room as well as the squad on the pitch."[LNB]Andrew Considine continued his recovery from a hip injury by playing 45 minutes at Tamworth, but he will not be ready for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener against Hamilton on August 14.[LNB]Goalkeeper Jamie Langfield faces a race to make that game after scalding his foot with boiling water on the team coach.
