Ayr United midfielder Paul Sheerin has been re-united with former boss Steve Paterson after completing his transfer to Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old Sheerin underwent a successful medical and was unveiled at a Friday media conference.

Sheerin previously played under new Dons boss Paterson at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The midfielder, who had a spell at Southampton before returning to his first club, Alloa Athletic, becomes Paterson's second signing since taking charge as manager of the Scottish Premier League club.

"Paul is one of the best passers of the ball in the First Division, has a great left foot and is an excellent dead-ball specialist," Paterson said.

"He is also a proven goalscorer.

"He's at an age when he's hitting the peak of his career and I'm sure he'll be an excellent addition to my squad here."

A fee of around �12,000 to Ayr is an indication of the state of Scottish football finances.

Clyde's Leigh Hinds could be a target

Aberdeen earlier this week signed Steve Tosh, a midfielder with previous SPL experience with Livingston, from Falkirk for a mere �30,000.

The Dons have also been linked with moves for Caley Thistle strikers Dennis Wyness, who began his career at Pittodrie, and Leigh Hinds of Clyde.

The SPL outfit also stressed that, although they have held talks with Livingston defender Michael Hart's agent, no pre-contract agreement has been signed with the player who will be a free agent in the summer.

Livingston chairman Dominic Keane had been angered by Aberdeen's use of a loophole in the contract system that allows a club to agree a move with players from another SPL outfit while he is still under contract.

The Dons sought clarification of a recent Fifa ruling and found it could be interpreted in such a way as to allow pre-contract signings within the same domestic league.

Keane is set to speak with 22-year-old Hart in the coming days over claims that he may have already agreed to sign for his former club in June.

Chairman Dominic Keane has already written to the Scottish Football Association demanding a change to the rules.

Clyde could find themselves in a similar position as 24-year-old Hinds, who has also been watched by Livi, is out of contract in the summer and has yet to accept the Bully Wee's offer of a new deal.

Player-boss Alan Kernaghan says there have been no approaches to his club for Hinds.