Tuesday Apr 11 2006 07:20
Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton will leave the club in the summer but is not thought to be about to sign for Dundee United.
The 23-year-old Scotland international is out of contract at Pittodrie at the end of this season after turning down repeated offers from the Dons for a new deal.
"It's disappointing but we did all we could to try to persuade him to stay," boss Jimmy Calderwood told the Evening Express.
"Aberdeen can no longer compete with clubs in the English second and third divisions and many abroad when it comes to wages.
"He chose not to tell me where he is going, although he just laughed and said that wasn't happening when I mentioned the link with (Dundee) United).
"For the sake of his career, I hope it is to a club that will be successful and help to bring him on. Kevin will stay in my plans for the rest of the season though.
"I've asked him to do his bit to ensure he leaves on the high by helping us finish fourth and maybe qualify for Europe.
"I've also started work on getting his replacement. I had already laid down contingency plans for this happening."
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