Teenage defender Dan Smith is set to sign a three-year deal with Aberdeen on Friday (Aug 18).
The 19-year-old left back has been training with the Dons since Monday and will join from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, after dropping out of the first-team picture due to new arrivals at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland boss Niall Quinn told his club’s official site: ‘We couldn’t guarantee Dan a game here so, without a reserve team this season, he goes there with our blessing and naturally we wish him all the very best at his new club.’
In a BBC News article, Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood said: ‘Dan will be available for Saturday and could make the squad because of our injury situation.
‘He has a sweet left foot, is full of running and has a great attitude.’
Dutch striker Dyron Daal, who has also been training with the Dons this week, is reported to be close to coming to Pittodrie on amateur terms. The 21-year-old had a trial with Aberdeen in January, but rules and regulations about amateur players in the Netherlands prevented the move.
Calderwood said: ‘If he does come in, it would be as an amateur for this season, which shows a lot of commitment from the lad.’
As long as this isn’t panic buying, it’s all well and good. But then again, if you need players, any will do. We’ll see at the St Mirren match at the weekend.