Aberdeen want Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell to fill the void left by Danny Ward’s departure from Pittodrie.

Ward’s brief but impressive loan spell at Pittodrie was brought to an end on Sunday when Reds manager Jurgen Klopp recalled the 22-year-old to Anfield.

Dons manager Derek McInnes has identified the 29-year-old former Kilmarnock goalkeeper as his short-term successor at the club and has inquired about the possibility of signing Bell on loan from the Championship leaders for the rest of the season.

Light Blues manager Mark Warburton revealed last week he would consider sending Bell on loan after the player’s return to fitness after knee surgery and McInnes hopes he can reach an agreement to bring the Gers man north.

Bell, who has not played for Rangers this season, has slipped to third choice in the Ibrox pecking order behind Wes Foderingham and new signing Maciej Gostomski.

Welsh under-21 international Ward’s departure leaves Scott Brown, who kept 17 clean sheets in 29 appearances last season but has yet to make a first team appearance this term, as the only recognised first team goalkeeper at Pittodrie.

The Dons also have the option to bring back Danny Rogers to the club despite extending his stay with Falkirk in the Championship last week but the Aberdeen manager would rather let Rogers stay at Falkirk and is actively searching for another goalkeeper.

McInnes approved an extension for Rogers after believing Ward would be staying at Pittodrie for the rest of the campaign but Liverpool’s sudden change of stance on Sunday has left McInnes requiring reinforcements at Pittodrie.

McInnes wants competition for Brown, who is a free agent at the end of the campaign, and hopes Bell can provide it.

Rogers, who is also in the final year of his contract at Pittodrie and attracting interest from Leeds United, has impressed in the Championship with Peter Houston’s side with his displays last month culminating in him being named Championship player of the month for December yesterday.

McInnes is disappointed to lose the impressive Ward.

He said: “Naturally, we are disappointed Liverpool opted to recall Danny.

“We were very fortunate to secure Danny during the summer and we thank Liverpool for believing Pittodrie would be a good platform for Danny to continue his development

“His progression has been clear for all to see and he’s demonstrated to everyone what a capable goalkeeper he is.

“Everyone at the club would like to thank him for all his efforts during his time here and wish him all the very best in his future career.”