The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
US move for Jack?
Major League side Columbus Crew in shock swoop for Don
Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew SC are closing in on a deal for Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack, according to reports in America.
Midfielder Jack will become a free agent this summer as his contract at Pittodrie expires.
Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew SC are closing in on a deal for Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack, according to reports in America.
Midfielder Jack will become a free agent this summer as his contract at Pittodrie expires.
The Pittodrie club had been hoping to secure the midfielder on a new deal but an offer from Columbus could convince Jack to move to America. The MLS side declined to comment.
Jack has come through the ranks at Aberdeen and has established himself as one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers have been credited with an interest in Jack but it appears Columbus have won the race for the player’s signature on a free transfer. Crew SC have enjoyed a good start to the MLS season, currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference. The MLS transfer window closes on May 8, but Columbus can sign a free transfer like Jack past the close of the window as long as he is out of contract.
Meanwhile, Dons manager Derek McInnes says it would be a major boost if his Reds were able to avoid the Europa League first qualifying round.
If Europa League semifinalists Manchester United, Ajax or Lyon go on to win the trophy then the Dons would likely receive a bye from the opening round and would instead be seeded for the second qualifying round.
However, if the other semi-finalists Celta Vigo triumph, the Dons would expect to play in the first qualifying round, which starts on June 29. The Dons will only stand a chance of entering the competition at the later stage if they finish second in the Scottish Premiership or win the Scottish Cup and McInnes, whose side takes on St Johnstone at Pittodrie today, is focused on the task at hand. He said: “First of all we’ve just got to make sure we finish second and try to win a Scottish Cup.
“There are a few permutations and I think it’s loaded towards us maybe coming back later but there’s still too many variables for us to comment with any certainty.
“If there is an opportunity to come back later, then it will be greatly received from everyone.”
If the Dons end up playing in the first qualifying round, the players would receive 15 or 16 days off.
McInnes said: “That would be the shortest break they’ve had.”