Slobodan Rubezic to Aberdeen FC transfer latest as familiar red tape demands patience over star 'ripe' for Pittodrie

Aberdeen will be made to wait to land defender Slobodan Rubezic due to some transfer red tape.

The towering FK Novi Pazar centre-half is still a target for Barry Robson ahead of his Europa League charge and the fight to be the best of the rest again this season in claiming third spot. The Dons have made moves in the transfer window, sealing a permanent deal for last season's popular loanee Leighton Clarkson from Liverpool, while also dipping their toe in the Anfield water for Rhys Williams to come in on loan. Defender Or Dadia has been acquired from Hapoel Be’er Sheva but the Pittodrie outfit want Rubezic to join the ranks.

According to the Press and Journal, the Serbian remains in his homeland with Novi Pazar as visa issues are worked out. Aberdeen are said to be awaiting Home Office clearance for the defender to travel to the UK to complete medical and the other requirements before he can be unveiled as a new summer recruit.

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It's the same fate the Dons found with the signings of Albanian midfielder Ylber Ramadani and North Macedonian striker Bojan Miovski whose moves were both held up by some visa issues last summer. It meant both players, now integral to Robson's side moving forward, could not meet up with the squad in pre-season as the Dons hope the same conclusion won't befall Rubezic.

The defender's former coach, Aleksandar Stankovic, reckons the 23-year-old is a good fit for Scottish football. He said: "I think he is the right player for Aberdeen and the style of play Scotland is known for. He is ripe for a step forward in his career, will cope well with the demands of the new club and be a reinforcement