Zeljko Sopic addresses Aberdeen FC manager link as Rijeka boss makes himself the punchline as he stays clear

Rijeka boss Zeljko Sopic has moved to shut down speculation in Croatia that he will step into the Aberdeen hot seat at the end of the season.

Peter Leven is in the Pittodrie hot seat in the midst of the Scottish Premiership relegation battle following the sudden departure interim boss Neil Warnock. Record Sport understands that the Dons board has made significant progress in their search to appoint Barry Robson ’s permanent successor and are closing in on their man following an initial return an initial run.

Chairman Dave Cormack and his directors had previously indicated they want to make an appointment in this international break – and they look bang on course to do so. German football consultancy group BPTC, who recently held an internal review into the club, have been heavily involved in the process - but Sopic has declared that he will not be the man to step into the hot seat.

Sopic is in the midst of a title fight with Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split - with his side boasting a four-point advantage at the top of the league. However, speculation has ramped up in Croatia that he could ditch the table toppers for the Granite City.

However, Sopic looked to draw a line under the conversation when quizzed on the speculation by SuperSport. He joked: "Aberdeen want me? It's constantly raining there, and that's not good for my hair."