O'Brien came off the bench in Saturday's 6-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee claims he is unlikely to sign Motherwell's Jim O'Brien in the January transfer window.

McGhee has contacted his former club declaring his intention to hold talks with the winger he took to Fir Park from Celtic in August 2008.

O'Brien, 22, has not started for Motherwell since McGhee declared his interest last month, indicating the player could possibly leave in January.

"Until he signs here I can't say any more about it," McGhee said.

McGhee insists he is no closer to signing the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.

I continue to say that my programme is set for the summer and I'm planning for that. Whether it's Jim O'Brien or anyone else, I want them here by the summer Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee

"I've made it clear to Motherwell that we would like to speak to Jim but that's as far as it went.

"I continue to say that my programme is set for the summer and I'm planning for that. Whether it's Jim O'Brien or anyone else, I want them here by the summer.

"If I get them here by Christmas that would be great but I think that's unlikely."

Last month, Motherwell manager Jim Gannon criticised his predecessor over speculation that Aberdeen would move for the player.

"I think it's symptomatic of the poor practice here, either from the journalist speculating or the manager feeding the journalist," said Gannon.

"I think it's inappropriate for any manager to comment on our players when they are under contract."

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