ABERDEEN have surprisingly moved into pole position in the race to sign Paul Hartley.
Hearts had seemed certain to clinch the re-signing of the Scotland international once he decided he wished to return to Scotland.
But the Gorgie club has confirmed it's dropped out of the running to sign the player, leaving Aberdeen clear to move in.
A Hearts spokesman said: "Although our interest has now cooled in Paul Hartley, there are five weeks remaining before the transfer window closes.
"There are still a number of opportunities currently being explored."
