Bairns captain Barr will not be short of offers when his contract expires

Falkirk boss Eddie May has criticised the conduct of Aberdeen and Hibs as they size up defender Darren Barr.

May is angry that both clubs have offered loan deals in a bid to sweeten a move for the 25-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.

"I have a problem when clubs talk about swap deals when they haven't reached agreement with Darren," said May.

Last month, May said his captain would see out the remainder of his deal before moving to England.

Dons manager McGhee is keen to bolster his defence in the January transfer window, but admits the Pittodrie club cannot afford a fee for the Scotland international.

Barr has been at Falkirk since leaving school eight years ago and was brought through the ranks by John Hughes, who is keen for him to join him at Hibs.

I have a problem when clubs talk about swap deals when they haven't reached agreement with Darren Falkirk manager Eddie May

McGhee has denied talk of a swap arrangement with Falkirk to attract Barr, but insisted a deal could still be done at the end of the season.

"I don't think there is anything on as far as a swap is concerned but we might be prepared to loan them someone to help them out," said McGhee.

"It may be that we could sort something out but we definitely want to talk to him about coming in the summer."

Comfortable at right-back or in central defence, Barr won a Scotland cap under George Burley in a friendly against Northern Ireland.

Hibs boss Hughes has also been in discussions to sign Barr on a pre-contract agreement, but conceded that negotiations had stalled.

"There were provisional talks here and there but it's gone a bit stale to tell you the truth," said Hughes.

"If he wants to go away and look elsewhere - great - on we go.

"It's not done and dusted yet. But there's other irons in the fire."

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