Kyle looks unlikely to join Aberdeen but Grassi wants to extend his stay

By Liam McLeod

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee has conceded defeat in his bid to sign Scotland striker Kevin Kyle.

The Dons have not been able to match the wage demands of the 28-year-old, who is out of contract with Scottish Premier League rivals Kilmarnock.

Kyle has attracted interest from clubs in England, while Hearts have also been linked with the striker.

Meanwhile, Dons defender Davide Grassi could be winning his fight to have a six-month contract extended to 12.

The 24-year-old Italian was unhappy at being offered a short-term deal and had been linked with a move to SPL rivals St Johnstone.

Grassi, previously of Parma, Cattolica, Bonifika, Merida and Sant Andreu, joined Aberdeen last summer and made 24 appearances, with his form at the end of the season persuading McGhee that he had a future at the club.

While the Italian could now remain at Pittodrie, it now appears unlikely that Kyle will become McGhee's second summer signing following the capture of Northern Ireland defender Rory McArdle from Rochdale.

The former Sunderland and Coventry striker has been with Kilmarnock since January 2009 and scored 10 goals in 36 appearances this season as the Ayrshire side avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Dons fans - would you like to see the club pull out the stops to sign Kyle?

Kilmarnock have since parted with manager Jimmy Calderwood, who was unhappy at being asked to axe coach Sandy Clark to save money.

With Killie struggling financially, Kyle might have to return to English football - where he also had loan spells with Huddersfield, Darlington, Rochdale, Wolves and Hartlepool - to match his financial expectations.

However, Hearts' Jim Jefferies, who was Kilmarnock manager when Kyle arrived at Rugby Park, could yet move to keep him in Scotland.

Kyle had a trial with Spartak Nalchik against Calderwood's wishes before the end of the season, but a move to the Russian club did not come to fruition.

League One outfit Brentford have been strongly linked with the striker - and out-of-contract Aberdeen defender Charlie Mulgrew - this summer.

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