Aberdeen midfielder Greg Tansey is set to join Ross County on loan for the second half of the season.
The 29-year-old moved to Aberdeen from Caley Thistle in the summer on a three-year deal but has struggled to hold down a regular place in Derek McInnes’ side.
Tansey’s arrival was heralded as a key signing by the Aberdeen manager, who had failed in a bid to sign the midfielder in the January 2016 window, but Tansey has made 10 starts for the Dons since moving to Pittodrie and managed just two goals in what has been a frustrating start to his Dons career.
His form at Aberdeen is in stark contrast to the 32 goals he scored in two spells spanning almost 200 matches for Caley Thistle.
He underwent groin surgery in September before a second groin injury sidelined him for the final games before the winter break. His last appearance for Aberdeen came in the 3-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox on November 29.
McInnes’ willingness to let the midfielder leave on loan has alerted the struggling Staggies and, while the Dons will spend this week in Dubai for their winter training camp, Tansey will not be with the touring party as he is staying behind to complete a move back to the Highlands with County. The Staggies are bottom of the Scottish Premiership and manager Owen Coyle is keen to strengthen his midfield as he tries to steer his club to safety.
Coyle believes Tansey’s experience can help the Victoria Park club stay in the top flight and should Tansey complete a move to Dingwall he will rejoin former Inverness central midfield team-mate Ross Draper, who moved across the Kessock Bridge in August from the relegated Highlanders.
Tansey’s loan move will free wages from McInnes’ budget as he bids to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes on January 31.