Ross County defender Paul Quinn is poised to become Aberdeen’s first summer signing.
The 29-year-old former Motherwell central defender joined the Staggies in October last year after three years with Cardiff City, who he joined for £300,000 from the Steelmen in June 2009, and two with Doncaster Rovers, winning the English League 1 title in 2013.
The Dons made an inquiry about the former Scotland under-21 international in January when his short-term contract with the Dingwall side was expiring.
A deal could not be completed at the time and Wishaw-born Quinn then signed for the Staggies until the end of the season, playing a crucial role as the County escaped relegation from the Premiership with an outstanding end-of-season run which sent St Mirren down and consigned Motherwell to the play-offs.
Quinn has met Aberdeen representatives and a deal is now being drawn up.
A source close to the player said: “Paul enjoyed his time at County. However, he sees joining Aberdeen as the right thing to do at this stage of his career.”
Caley Thistle defender and captain Graeme Shinnie will sign for Aberdeen on July 1 after agreeing a three-year pre-contract deal as Dons manager Derek McInnes plans for next season’s Europa League campaign.
Pittodrie club captain Russell Anderson has retired, while defender Joe Shaughnessy will move to St Johnstone and midfielder Nicky Low to Dundee.
Left back Clark Robertson has been released, while central defender Donervorn Daniels has returned to English Premier League club West Brom after his loan spell at Pittodrie.