A long-term contract for Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie would be Derek McInnes’ best signing of the summer, according to former Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood.
Midfielder Chris Forrester joined the Reds from Peterborough United on a three-year deal on Tuesday with the Dons desperate to bolster their squad ahead of the Europa League qualifiers getting under way next month.
But Calderwood believes a top priority for McInnes should be persuading Shinnie to commit his future to the club.
The former Caley Thistle captain has entered the final year of his contract and will be free to speak to other clubs from January.
Calderwood said: “I would say that getting Graeme to sign a new deal would be one of the best pieces of business they could do.
“He is a very good player and I was pleased to see him get his first Scotland caps.
“He has been an important player at Aberdeen.
“I agree with Derek that his best position is in the centre of the park rather than left-back.”
The Dons lost several first team players at the end of last season with loan players Ryan Christie, Greg Stewart, Dominic Ball, Chidi Nwakali, Kenny McLean and Freddie Woodman returning to their parent clubs, while Kari Arnason and Nicky Maynard were released.
Calderwood added: “I’m expecting Derek to make a few signings.
“It is always good to have a bit of change.
“Derek has done well in the transfer market in the past and I’m sure Stewart Milne will give him some money to spend.
“I don’t know much about Chris Forrester but I’m sure he will be of a high standard.
“Aberdeen did well last season but they will want to improve again.
“It is going to be an interesting campaign with Steven Gerrard at Rangers.
“They are going to be stronger and with Hearts and Hibernian getting stronger it is going to be a very exciting.”