DONS 'ENCOURAGED' BY McGHEE TALKS
Willie Miller has revealed talks to bring Mark McGhee to Aberdeen have been "extremely encouraging."
The Dons director of football has confirmed the club has made an approach to Motherwell and received permission to hold talks with the Fir Park boss.
Reports claim McGhee was told he was no longer being considered for the vacant Celtic job at the weekend, paving the way for Aberdeen to make their move.
However, Miller cautioned that there was still work to be done before the appointment is a done deal.
"We have made contact with the Fir Park club and were given permission to approach Mark," he said.
"While subsequent discussions have been extremely encouraging, I've been involved in the game far too long not to realise there are many pitfalls that can affect things at this crucial stage, not least of which is the agreement of compensation between Motherwell and ourselves."
Dons fans will be keen to see Jimmy Calderwood's replacement in place as soon as possible but Miller refused to put a timescale on any announcement.
Speaking on the club's official website,
www.afc.co.uk, Miller added: "Obviously we are currently attempting to reach an agreement on all fronts as soon as possible.
"But, until everything is finalised, and despite some media reports to the contrary, it would be premature to confirm that Mark will be the new Aberdeen manager or place a definitive timescale on when we might be in a position to do so."
McGhee, 52, played for Aberdeen between 1978 and 1984 and told the Sunday Herald at the weekend: "For me, there is an element of sentimentality attached to the Aberdeen job.
"This is an opportunity to manage a club where I had fantastic success and memories as a player.
"The same would have applied at Celtic. So there is an element of going home about the Aberdeen job for me and I quite like that."
Motherwell have confirmed an approach from Aberdeen owner Stewart Milne was received on Saturday and, following a period of consultation, permission was reluctantly granted for McGhee to hold talks with the Pittodrie club.
However, Well chairman John Boyle has not given up hope of persuading his manager to remain at Fir Park.
He told the club's official website,
www.motherwellfc.co.uk: "Aberdeen made contact with us at the start of the weekend seeking permission to discuss the vacant managerial position at Pittodrie with Mark.
"The board have reluctantly agreed to this request and Mark will spend some time talking that over with them.
"Contrary to media reports, nothing has been finalised as yet and we obviously hope we can persuade Mark to stay.
"However, we will be proactive in preparing for all eventualities to ensure that the best interests of Motherwell Football Club are upheld."