James McGarry on verge of Aberdeen FC transfer as New Zealand star completes medical and will swerve work permit headache

James McGarry has completed his medical and is set to finalise his move to Aberdeen.

The Dons have agreed a six figure fee with Central Coast Mariners and have been given permission to open talks with the New Zealand international. The final details of the deal for the 25-year-old are also close to being finalised with the player and his representative.

There also shouldn’t be any issues over a work permit because the left-back has Irish citizenship. That should see Aberdeen avoid having to experience the lengthy wait for a work permit and visa. The Dons, however, could face a delay as to when they see McGarry making his debut. He is still in Australia with his wife due to give birth any day now. The defender will travel to Scotland after that to begin his Aberdeen career.

McGarry is currently still down under, where he did his medical, and didn’t travel with Central Coast Mariners to their pre-season camp in Bangkok. Aberdeen are also keen to bring Liam Scales back from Celtic. The Dons are waiting to see if Brendan Rodgers will give the green light for the Irishman to return to the north-east.

Manager Barry Robson is actively still trying to add to his squad further with midfielder and forward areas he is looking to strengthen. The Dons will have further funds available to him when Ylber Ramadani makes his pending £1.1million move to Lecce. The Albanian international is currently in Italy finalising his switch to Serie A.