Reds Face Battle For Reda

ABERDEEN are reported to be facing a battle with Plymouth Argyle to sign Reda Johnson.

The Dons were thought to be set to complete the capture of Johnson before the European deadline on Friday.

But that failed to transpire as Johnson stalled on the deal after talks on Thursday.

Reports then suggested that the Dons were confident of completing the signing by Sunday, but that also failed to happen.

It is now believed that Johnson's club, Amiens, are holding out for a transfer fee which would rule out the Dons making any further move for the player.

The tall 21-year-old centre-back was initially believed to be available on a season-long loan or free transfer.

New Dons boss Mark McGhee said at the weekend: "I expect to sign Reda Johnson. His club is digging in its heels but I expect to get him - whether it is a loan deal or a permanent signing, both deals are on the table."

However, the Plymouth Herald has reported that Johnson played for Argyle in the pre-season friendly match against Morecambe on Saturday, with Pilgrims' boss Paul Sturrock keen to quickly wrap up a deal to sign the highly rated Benin international defender.

With centre-back Andy Considine playing in the 1-1 draw at Dundee on Saturday, a new defender is no longer the emergency to the Dons that it seemed last week.

And it is thought that McGhee will now turn to the goalkeeper position to make his first signing of the season, with Bert Bossu sidelined for this Thursday's crucial Europa League qualifier.