Dons are firmly on list of Watson’s admirers

Aberdee n are keeping close tabs on Kilmarnock’s David Watson.

The Dons are long-time admirers of the Scotland Under-21 captain.

The midfielder’s deal is up next summer and he could open pre-contract talks in January.

If Aberdeen could reach an agreement with Watson, they would have to thrash out a fee with Killie or go to a tribunal.

If it went to a tribunal, it is likely the fee would be around the £639,920 figure that Rangers were ordered to pay the Dons for Connor Barron last season.

The Scottish Cup winners enquired about 20-year-old Watson in the summer window.

But they couldn’t agree a deal with Killie, who were looking for a seven-figure fee at the time.

Aberdeen’s interest is long-running while Watson has also been linked with Celtic and Bolton.