Jay Idzes back on Aberdeen's transfer wishlist as Dons hope European carrot means it's second time lucky

Aberdeen have stepped up their interest in Jay Idzes again.

The Dons remain keen to land the young Dutch defender from Go Ahead Eagles. Sources in Holland have confirmed that Aberdeen are pushing to try and get a deal for the 22-year-old over the line. Idzes is out of contract in the summer and has been a long-term target for the Pittodrie outfit. Aberdeen previously made a move to land Idzes at the turn of the year when Jim Goodwin was the manager.

The Reds were close to agreeing a pre contract but the deal stalled when Goodwin was shown the door. Idzes didn’t want to commit until he knew who the next Aberdeen manager was going to be. Barry Robson has come in and transformed the team from bottom six to favourites to finish third in the Premiership. The former Scotland cap had only got a deal himself until the end of the season but it is looking more and more likely he will get the gig long-term.

Robson has since confirmed he will have an involvement over recruitment between now and the summer. Aberdeen director of football operations Steven Gunn has remained on the Idzes’ case and in constant dialogue with his camp.

The Dons look favourites to finish best of the rest in the Premiership. If they were to do that and Celtic or Rangers were to win the Scottish Cup then Aberdeen would be guaranteed European group stage football until Christmas. That would strengthen Aberdeen’s case and be another lure for Idzes.

Aberdeen’s recent revival has also seen growing interest in a number of their stars, like Duk and Bojan Miovski. Duk is the man of the moment and has 18 goals this season. He has confirmed that Benfica are due a 50 percent sell-on if Aberdeen do cash in on him. The 23-year-old has made it clear he is happy to