Aberdeen keen to sign up Celtic defender

Liam Scales is reported to be a transfer target for Aberdeen.

The defender moved to Celtic from Shamrock Rovers two years ago but enjoyed his most productive time in Scotland on loan at the Dons last season.

With Maik Nawrocki close to completing a move to Celtic from Legia Warsaw it looks unlikely that Scales or Bosun Lawal will see much first team football in the season ahead.

It was reported that Scales had signed a four year Celtic contract but the final year is often an option for the club, turning 25 next month the hoops may be looking at a permanent move rather than a repeat of last season’s loan move.

The Daily Record reports:

Aberdeen boss Barry Robson is keen to re-sign Liam Scales from Celtic.

The Celtic defender had a successful loan in the Granite City and was a big player for Robson’s side as they clinched third spot and guaranteed European group stage football. The Irishman has since gone back to the Hoops and has played his part on their pre-season tour of Japan.

Robson, who watched his side lose at Preston at the weekend, is looking to bring in defensive reinforcements with the news that Rhys Williams and Angus MacDonald could both miss the start of the season through injury.

Serbian defender Slobodan Rubezic is a player that the Dons are working on but still need to finalise a deal for the Novi Pazar star and get a work visa issued. Scales also remains a key target for Robson but has to wait for his Celtic counterpart Brendan Rodgers to assess his own squad first.

The 24-year-old played against Gamba Osaka at the weekend and has trained

under Rodgers ’ watchful eye. Scales didn’t really get a fair crack under Ange Postecoglou and it remains to be seen if that will change under his successor.

Scales played the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Gamba Osaka but with UEFA requirements for home developed players faces a tough task to make it into the Celtic squad for the Champions League. Rodgers can only name 17 players outwith the home developed players plus SFA trained such as David Turnbull and Greg Taylor.

Aberdeen have guaranteed group stage European football on offer with a Europa League Play-Off at the end of August.

With Celtic visiting Pittodrie on August 13 there is unlikely to be a quick conclusion to talks between the two clubs.