MacLean (left) and Paterson were wanted by Aberdeen in the summer
Aberdeen have made a double capture from Plymouth by signing striker Steve MacLean and left-back Jim Paterson on loan until the end of the season.
The deals followed Lee Miller's sale to Middlesbrough and follow striker Chris Maguire's move on loan to Kilmarnock.
The 27-year-old MacLean had a trial with Hearts and had been holding out for a permanent transfer that did not materialise during January.
Paterson, who also plays left midfield, joined Argyle from Motherwell.
The 30-year-old, who began his career with Dundee United, made the switch in January 2008 for around £250,000.
I'm very pleased to have Jim Paterson and Steven MacLean here, particularly on the back of losing Lee
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee
That same month, MacLean joined Plymouth for a club record £500,000 from Cardiff City, having failed to become as regular a goalscorer in Wales as he had been with previous club Sheffield Wednesday.
MacLean, who began his career with Rangers, has fallen out of favour at Plymouth and has not played since September.
Paterson has made only 13 appearances this season and has not featured during January.
It is success second time round for Dons manager Mark McGhee, who attempted to sign the players when he took charge in the summer.
McGhee told his club website: "These things take longer than you want them to, but both are players I know.
"I'm very pleased to have Jim Paterson and Steven MacLean here, particularly on the back of losing Lee.
"We need somebody - particularly now that Lee has gone - to link the play, to be a centre-forward that can hold the ball up for us.
"Steven MacLean's a boy that can take it in and he's got a good goalscoring record.
"Jim Paterson, he was a player who - when he left me at Motherwell - had been our best player.
"Jim is an experienced player as well and that will be good for our young players."
Aberdeen had sold Miller to Middlesbrough for a fee believed to be around £500,000 earlier in the day and allowed Kilmarnock to take 21-year-old Maguire on loan until the summer.
Meanwhile, MacLean could be followed out of Plymouth by Alan Gow, with Hibernian hoping to sign for out-of-favour former Falkirk and Rangers forward.
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