MacLean has attracted interest from Aberdeen and Hearts

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee fears the Dons will miss out on Plymouth striker Steven MacLean in the transfer window.

Scottish Premier League rivals Hearts have also been linked with a move for MacLean to bolster their squad.

McGhee admitted his attempts to bring in some added firepower in the transfer window are "proving difficult".

"The latest I have on MacLean is it looks like he'll probably join a Championship club at the beginning of next week," McGhee said.

"That's something I can do nothing about. That was always going to be a possibility because he's a good player who is going to be in demand at that level.

"That's why we wanted him and I think we're entitled and should be looking at players of that ability."

McGhee is now turning his attentions elsewhere, although he is still keen on Swansea forward Stephen Dobbie.

"Stephen was mentioned, he is a consideration and that remains the case. But we do have other targets."

McGhee's interest in Falkirk captain Darren Barr has also intensified following the early cancellation of Maurice Ross's contract.

Until Miller and the injured players return, I don't have many options Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee

Ross, who arrived at Pittodrie in October, was in Edinburgh on Monday sorting out his visa as the defender prepares to move to Chinese champions Beijing Guoan after rejecting the Dons's offer of a contract extension.

Aberdeen's need for a striker was underlined when they failed to turn possession into goals during their 1-0 defeat by St Mirren on Tuesday.

Boasting the SPL's second lowest goal tally with 13 goals in 18 games, the Dons will still be without suspended Scotland striker Lee Miller against St Johnstone on Saturday.

And McGhee admits there is little he can do to freshen up his starting line-up other than bring in strikers who he admitted, after the St Mirren defeat, that he did not trust to perform for 90 minutes.

"I'm limited," said McGhee, who is still without Gary McDonald, Sone Aluko and Zander Diamond.

"I have got Chris Maguire, Michael Paton and Tommy Wright. Beyond that, there's not really anything that I think can strengthen the team.

"Until Miller and the injured players return, I don't have many options."

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