Aberdeen Running Rule Over Free Agent Jordan Thorniley After Injury Blow

Aberdeen are running the rule over Jordan Thorniley are they look to dip into the free agent market, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The Dons are desperate to avoid being dragged into a relegation play-off situation after a season to forget.

Stephen Robinson took over at the club last week after Aberdeen triggered a compensation clause in his deal at St Mirren.

Robinson secured a 1-1 draw with Falkirk during his first game in charge at the club at the weekend and highlighted his desire to look into the free agent market due to a defensive crisis at the club.

The new boss is down to bare bones at the heart of defence with trio Jack Milne, Liam Morrison and Gavin Molloy the only three fit centre-backs at his disposal with Tom McIntyre, Nicky Devlin, Kristen Toberts and Mats Knoester all out injured.

Aberdeen have previously been linked with Preston North End defender Liam Lindsay and could revisit that interest in the summer, though any move is currently impossible outside the transfer window.

Time Of The Essence

There are a number of centre-back free agents available, but sources have been told the club want someone who has recently been playing and will not take time to get up to speed at this stage of the season. 

And former Everton youth prospect Thorniley has emerged as a name of interest. It is understood any deal would be a short-term one until the end of the campaign. 

It is understood Wycombe Wanderers are also discussing potentially signing the defender untill the end of the season. 

The 29-year-old, who grew up in Warrington, was released by Championship Oxford United last month after being recalled from his loan at League One Notts County in January.

Thorniley has made 77 appearances in the Championship dudring his career, where he has previously played for Sheffield Wednesday and Blackpool. 

Speaking at the weekend, Robinson said: “I would love to if the right player is available. At this stage in the season, it is very difficult. The only other player that can play in that position is Sivert [Nilsen].” 

“It is a real problem I have inherited. If there is something then the club will back it but at this stage it is a difficult one.”