Aberdeen intent on pinching Partick playmaker to aid title tilt
Published:
Aberdeen’s ongoing mission to keep pace with Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic will see the Dons make a move for Partick Thistle midfielder Stuart Bannigan in January.
According to the Daily Record, Dons boss Derek McInnes is hoping to expose Bannigan’s contract situation at The Jags, where the 23-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer.
Having steered the Reds into such a promising position in the Premiership title race – just three points shy of Celtic’s pace by mid-January – McInnes is clearly seeking ways to maintain what promises to be a taxing pursuit of the Hoops.
Without the safety net of any compensation due for home-grown talent Bannigan, Partick’s resolve is sure to be tested over their Scottish U21 star.
Bannigan’s influence has grown and grown in the heart of Thistle’s midfield since breaking through as a teenager five seasons ago, so seeing the fruits of the club’s labour leave for nothing is a galling prospect.
With the Glasgow club sat in the precarious position of ninth after 20 games, manager Alan Archibald will be reluctant to lose a player he views as a key figure in ensuring his side’s survival.
But from a financial perspective Archibald may have his hands tied, with imminent bids from English Football League clubs also rumoured to be in the pipeline.
Striking quickly for the midfielder’s signature seems paramount for the Dons therefore.
Despite their proximity to Celtic in the table, the Pittodorie outfit landing a first Scottish title since 1984/85 is still given a speculative price of 18/1 by league sponsors Ladbrokes.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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