ABERDONIAN Gavin Rae looks set for a return to Scottish football as Aberdeen prepare a summer move for the Cardiff midfielder.
Scotland international Rae looks certain to not be offered a new deal when his current contract runs out next month.
But he could be handed the chance to head back to the SPL and his hometown club after Aberdeen boss Craig Brown declared his interest in the former Rangers captain.
Brown sees Rae as the ideal candidate to add the experience lost to the Dons engine room after Paul Hartley's departure to become player/manager of Alloa this week.
He told Sky Sports: "We have expressed an interest in Gavin and have already spoken to his agent because we need some more experienced players and he fits the bill.
"He is a player I have admired for a number of years and I gave him his first Scotland cap in 2001 when he was still with Dundee.
"I also attempted to get him on loan to Aberdeen from Cardiff in January but that fell through because their manager, Dave Jones, felt he was needed for their bid to gain promotion.
"However, he is leaving Cardiff now so we have to look at getting him.
"If there are offers from other Championship clubs then there is no way we will be able to compete.
"We must show ambition and he is not the only player from that league we have expressed interest in."
Rae has made more than 150 appearances for Cardiff arriving on a free from Ibrox in 2007, but he has seen his first-team chances restricted this season.
Rae told BBC Radio Scotland: "It's definitely something I'm interested in. That's where I grew up and I always keep an eye out for their scores.
"I'll have to wait and see what else comes in. I want to play as long as I can because I love the game."