Swansea City player signs

Aberdeen have made their first signing of 2014 with the arrival of Swansea City defender Alan Tate on loan until the end of the season.

With Clark Robertson and Andy Considine out for the next few weeks and Michael Hector set to return to Reading following Sunday’s trip to Kilmarnock, manager Derek McInnes was keen to add to his defensive options. “I’ve made no secret of the fact that, even if Michael does come back, we are pretty short in terms of cover in that department, and I’m delighted to bring in someone with Alan’s experience. While Alan is predominantly a centre back, he can also play at full back if required, and he’ll go straight into the squad for Sunday.”

The 31 year old was born in Durham and began his career at Manchester United. A loan spell at Royal Antwerp was followed by a move to Swansea, initially on loan, in 2002, before joining the Welsh club on a permanent basis in 2004. He played more than 280 games for Swansea and was on loan at Leeds United and, earlier this season, at Yeovil Town.

Alan has been allocated squad number 28.

Alan has been allocated squad number 28.