JIMMY CALDERWOOD has identified former Kilmarnock midfielder Gary McDonald as the man to replace Barry Nicholson at Aberdeen.
The 26-year-old is ready to snub a new deal at Oldham as well as interest from English League One Brighton.
McDonald, who has scored 12 goals in his two seasons in England, said: "I can't say too much about things at this stage but I expect to speak to Aberdeen this week."
Calderwood, who is on a scouting mission in Slovakia, is confident he is on the verge of landing the first of the 11 players he believes are needed to revamp his squad.
The manager is also ready to ask Lee Miller to make a decision on his future with the striker still mulling over the offer of a new deal.
Calderwood said: "The Lee Miller situation has dragged on long enough and needs to be settled this week.
"He's keeping his options open, which I understand, but he has to realise I have plans to make as well.
"I want Lee to stay because he's been an important player for us. But if he is going we have to move on."
Meanwhile, Aberdeen have pulled out of a pre-season trip to Ireland and games against Leeds and Galway.
Delays in providing details of the tour forced Calderwood to call off the trip and the team will instead attend a training camp at Delden, Holland.