Bojan Miovski transfer latest as Aberdeen learn Bologna deep in talks to sign alternative target

Aberdeen's chances of retaining Bojan Miovski have been handed a promising boost - with Bologna now seemingly pursuing other targets.

The 24-year-old, who was left out of the Dons squad that got off to a winning start under Jimmy Thelin in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday, has been heavily linked with a move to the Serie A club, who will return to the Champions League next season for the first time in 60 years after securing a top-five finish in Italy's top tier. Vincenzo Italiano's side are not short of cash either, having just banked £35million from the sale of Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee to Manchester United, while defender Riccardo Calafiori is closing in on a £42m move to Arsenal.

Dons hitman Miovski is believed to be among the leading contenders to replace Zirkzee at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, but reports in Italy suggest that Bologna have switched their attentions elsewhere. Corriere dello Sport claim that the club are working hard on a deal to sign Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis - with the player himself very keen on the switch.

They add that although the two parties remain apart in the valuation of the Greece international, Ioannidis himself will push for the transfer by asking his club to reduce their €25m (£21m) price tag. The 24-year-old scored 23 goals in 44 matches last season to fire his side to glory in the Greek Cup. Bologna are also reportedly keen on Toulouse forward Thijis Dallinga, who bagged 14 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

Miovski, who has netted 44 goals in 95 matches for Aberdeen, has two years remaining on his contract at Pittodrie. His strike partner Luis Duk Lopes could also be on the move this summer having expressed his desire to leave the Reds. Former Benfica B forward Duk has