Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes will search far and wide for players who will strengthen his squad for next season’s campaign.
The Dons are likely to finish runners-up in the Premiership for the second successive year and McInnes is determined to improve and increase his options.
With the return of Rangers and possibly Hibernian to Scotland’s top tier, finishing in the top two will not get any easier.
McInnes said: “It is important we cast our net far and wide to see if there are players out there who can help us.
“We have identified all the positions and areas of the squad we would like to strengthen.
“But I am conscious we must keep our eye on the ball as there is still a lot to play for this season.
“However, because the close season is so short and we have European football to look forward to again, we have got to try to make sure we are as ready and prepared as possible.
“It is important the backroom staff, scouts and myself get to as many games as possible to follow up recommendations.”
The Dons have been linked with Ross County attacker Alex Schalk, Dunfermline’s Faissal El Bakhtaoui and German defender Hauke Wahl.
Australian defensive midfielder Rostyn Griffiths has been released by Dutch side Roda JC. The 28-year-old was a reported target for the Dons during the January transfer window before a late move for Caley Jags midfielder Greg Tansey fell through.
One man of interest is Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
The Dons would face competition for the Northern Ireland international with Rangers and a number of English sides also keen on the 31-year-old.
Hamilton player-manager Martin Canning has accepted it is unlikely the former Ross County player will still be at New Douglas Park next term and said yesterday: “If he moves on I’ll be the first to shake his hand and thank him for everything he’s done for the club.
“Michael’s a fantastic person, a great professional and a very good goalkeeper.
“Players such as Michael deserve to go and test themselves and play at the highest level they can.”
Aberdeen midfielder Peter Pawlett will not make his return in this Saturday’s match against Motherwell.
The Dons had hoped that the 25-year-old, who saw a specialist yesterday, would be back in action for the first time since breaking his arm against Dundee United on March 2.
