ABERDEEN are set to swoop for Rory McArdle - when the defender's contract with Rochdale runs out.
The 23-year-old Northern Ireland Under-21 international's deal ends at the end of June.
And McArdle, who is a central defender but can play in any position across the back four, is seen by Dons boss Mark McGhee as an ideal replacement for soon-to-depart Charlie Mulgrew.
McArdle began his career with Sheffield Wednesday befotre moving to Rochdale in 2007.
He scored at Wembley in Rochdale's losing League 2 play-off final in 2008, and helped them win automatic promotion this season.
