Shaun Maloney has been linked with a coaching role at Celtic.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has admitted defeat in his pursuit of Scotland international Shaun Maloney.
The Scotland international looked set to join his hometown team after agreeing a deal with the Dons last month but the move hit a stumbling block when Maloney flagged up a concern over a hernia injury.
The 34-year-old has held talks with Celtic over a possible coaching role with the Hoops’ under-20 side and McInnes believes the Aberdeen transfer target is set to hang up his boots.
He said: “I spoke to Shaun last week and again yesterday and it’s up for him to come out and say what he wants to do.
“But he has indicated that he may well look at other options, and that will probably mean not playing again.
“We have had indications based on what Shaun feels his physical situation is at the minute that he would probably retire. We were well aware of that and it’s not a huge surprise to us.
“We’ve got good attacking options and whether we add before the window closes will be determined on performance, results and availability of certain players. I would not rule out bringing in another player but that’s not to say we definitely will either.”
Dons manager McInnes concedes defeat in pursuit of Shaun Maloney
