Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has distanced himself from reports linking the Dons with a move for Blackburn Rovers forward David Goodwillie.
Scotland international Goodwillie scored in his final appearance on loan for Dundee United in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Hibernian and will return to Ewood Park this week.
McInnes has been linked with a move to bring Goodwillie back to Scotland this month but the Dons manager, who signed Alan Tate on loan from Swansea on Friday, played down the reports.
He said: “January is a long month and I’m sure we are going to be linked with a lot of players. I’ve said before we are hopeful Michael Hector will get to come back to us. Bringing Alan Tate in has settled us defensively, especially because we have a couple of injuries at the moment. I don’t see us being too busy otherwise.”
Dons attacker Lawrence Shankland has sparked off a race for his services on a loan deal, with Dunfermline the favourites to bring him on board ahead of Brechin City. The 18-year-old moved to Pittodrie in the summer from Queen’s Park and has been a regular scorer in the Aberdeen under-20 side, but has yet to feature for the first team.
Both the Pars and the Glebe Park side have made approaches to Derek McInnes about Shankland joining until the end of the season and the Fifers look set to clinch the deal.
Meanwhile, Falkirk were celebrating last night after negotiating a fresh loan agreement with Dundee United to keep Mark Millar for the rest of the season.
The former Celtic midfielder, who left for United on a three-year deal in summer 2012, rejoined the Bairns on October 31 after failing to make an impact in the Tannadice first team under Jackie McNamara this term.
The 25-year-old’s return to Westfield has coincided with a seven-match unbeaten run for manager Gary Holt’s men in the league and Millar’s influence, with two goals in that spell, has been key.
With his initial agreement due to expire later this month, Falkirk have moved to retain the former Scotland under-21 cap on a longer deal as they bid to keep up their challenge to Dundee and Hamilton Accies in the promotion race.
Holt said: “This is great news and a satisfactory outcome for both clubs for the services of a very talented player.
“Mark’s experience has been a calming influence on our midfield and his ability has been a huge factor in the current unbeaten run.”