ARNASON COULD BE SET FOR SHOCK DONS RETURN

ABERDEEN are eyeing a move for former defender Kari Arnason as Derek McInnes continues his squad rebuilding. The 34-year-old Icelandic international, most recently with Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, spent a season at Pittodrie before moving to Rotherham in 2012. A return to the north east for Arnason (right) is now a possibility as McInnes seeks an experienced addition following the exit of Ash Taylor at the end of last season. Aberdeen have already completed loan deals for Ryan Christie and Greg Stewart, plus the pre-contract acquisition of Greg Tansey from Inverness. Preston striker Stevie May is a further target. A move for Shaun Maloney has been placed on hold after the Scotland international raised an injury concern that requires further investigation. There is still a willingness on both sides to complete the deal, although Maloney will not be fit in time for inclusion in next week’s Europa League meeting with either Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kazakhstan side Ordabasy. Meanwhile, Niall McGinn has paid a warm tribute to Aberdeen after completing his surprise move to South Korean side Gwangju. The Northern Ireland winger left Pittodrie when his contract expired at the end of last season and had been linked with interest from the English Championship. McGinn, however, has instead taken up a lucrative offer from Gwangju, who sit bottom of the the K-League after 17 matches. ‘I am absolutely delighted to have signed for Gwangju,’ said the 29-year-old in a statement released on Twitter. ‘Since I met the club president a few weeks ago in Belfast, I have been researching Asian football and Korean football in particular. I have been very impressed with what I have discovered. ‘This is a new, exciting challenge for me, one that is very different to anything I have experienced in my career to date. ‘When I joined Aberdeen in 2012, I had no idea of the great times that lay ahead. ‘I want to thank Craig Brown, Archie Knox, Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty. I also want to thank all other staff at the club. ‘The fans at Aberdeen also deserve immense credit and thanks. They took me to their hearts and I took them to mine. ‘After five great years, I am moving on but I will always remember my Aberdeen days very fondly. Without hesitation, I can say I will always be an Aberdeen fan.’