The Dons were today linked with a summer move for Hull City’s Scotland international attacker Shaun Maloney.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at Premier League Hull at the end of the season.

Aberdeen-raised Maloney has started just twice for relegation-threatened Hull this term and the Dons are reportedly lining up a swoop to take him back to his home city.

Boss Derek McInnes will make midfield signings following the imminent exit of Niall McGinn and Peter Pawlett at the end of the season.

Skipper Ryan Jack could also leave as he is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has yet to sign the new deal offered by the Reds.

MLS side Columbus Crew are reportedly lining up a move to take Jack to the USA.

Dons boss Derek McInnes has a policy of not commenting on transfer speculation until a deal has been completed.

When contacted today Aberdeen FC refused to comment on the link with former Celtic and Aston Villa attacker Maloney.

McInnes is actively working on securing signings but admits it could be problematic to get everyone secured before the Dons kick off the Europa League qualifiers at the start of next season.

He said: “It will be tough (to sign them before Europe), particularly if we have to go in at the first round.

“The work is ongoing and has been for the last wee while.

“We hope a few things land for us and there are a few things in the pipeline. We are trying to get some work done.

“In an ideal world you would try to get certainly 90% of your squad you are going to run with in as quickly as possible.”

McInnes has already landed Inverness midfielder Greg Tansey on a pre-contract.

The bid to bring further strong signings to Pittodrie for next season will be bolstered by the ammunition of European football and the lure of potential trophy glory.

Aberdeen are set to compete in their second final of the season when they face Celtic at Hampden in a Scottish Cup showpiece on Saturday, May 27.

The Dons have also underlined their status as the nation’s second force by effectively securing runners-up spot for a third successive term.

That came courtesy of the 2-1 win at Hearts.

McInnes said: “I think Hearts have some good players.

“So for us to be 24 points clear of them says a lot about the good work everybody is doing at our club.

“It pleases me that we are where we are in the league ahead of others.

“Throughout this month it is important we try to replicate the form and consistency we have shown over the last eight months.

“That will give us that impetus going into the Scottish Cup final.”

One of the players definitely leaving Pittodrie in the summer is attacker Peter Pawlett, pictured, who has agreed a pre-contract with MK Dons.

Pawlett started in the 2-1 win at Hearts but was substituted at half-time having sustained an Achilles heel injury.

Pawlett rejected the offer of a new Dons deal to join the League One outfit.

McInnes said: “Peter was bright and really sharp with his work at Hearts. He brought speed, confidence and positivity every time he was in possession so it is so disappointing for him that he had to come off.”