Daily Record

Aberdeen closing in on Danny Uchechi & Stephen Hughes double signing

ABERDEEN boss Craig Brown has launched a double swoop for former Scotland ace Stephen Hughes and Nigerian winger Danny Uchechi.

Both players have impressed in trials at Pittodrie this week and Brown is convinced they can prove to be crucial additions for the second half of the campaign.

But Aberdeen look set to lose out on Gavin Rae, with Hibs now in pole position to land the midfielder, who has an escape clause in his contract at Dundee.

Expectations Brown is hoping to finalise agreements with Hughes and Uchechi today, but they might not be done in time to face Dunfermline 24 hours later.

Hughes, who is also on the radar of Kilmarnock and St Mirren, is keen to re-launch his career after being released by Motherwell.

Uchechi, 22, has had spells with West Ham and Leicester. He was released by Sheffield Wednesday back in November.

The pair will be offered deals until the end of the season with the promise of long term contracts if they meet expectations.

The Scottish Sun

Hughes in Dan deal

CRAIG BROWN will today sign former Rangers midfielder Stephen Hughes and Nigeria striker Danny Uchechi.

The pair have impressed on a week's trial at Aberdeen and sign until the end of the season.

The arrival of Hughes in particular will be a huge relief for boss Brown given the number of midfield players Dons have lost through injury.

Rob Milsom is out for the season after knee surgery while Isaac Osbourne and Peter Pawlett will be another month with hamstring strains.

Hughes was freed by Norwich last summer and failed to win an extended deal after a return to Motherwell.

Brown hopes he can make his debut at home to Dunfermline tomorrow. He said: "We are making headway and have spoken to the player and his agent.

"If he is prepared to accept our terms we will be looking to give him a contract until the end of the season.

"Ideally you would want to keep a player longer than that but Hughes has gone back south today. We expect him to return tomorrow and nothing will be concluded until then."

The Scotsman

Dons close to deals for Hughes and Uchechi

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown will sign former Rangers midfielder Stephen Hughes and Nigeria striker Danny Uchechi until at least the end of this season.

The pair have impressed during a week-long trial at Pittodrie and are expected to complete the formalities surrounding those deals later today.

The arrival of the experienced Hughes in particular will be a huge relief for Brown given the number of injuries to his key midfield players at the moment.

Rob Milsom is sidelined until next season after undergoing knee surgery in London last week while Isaac Osbourne and Peter Pawlett are out for another month with hamstring strains.

Hughes was released by Norwich City last summer and recently failed to win an extended deal after a short spell back at Motherwell.

Brown, who hopes a deal can be done to allow Hughes to make his debut at home to Dunfermline tomorrow, said: "We are making headway in our attempt to bring him in and have spoken to the player and his agent. If progress is maintained and if he is prepared to accept our terms then we will be looking to give him a contract until the end of the season."

Uchechi made four appearances for Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season before their manager Gary Megson released the 22-year-old striker in November.