The Sun

Craig hunts for new Kari

CRAIG BROWN has started the search to replace Kari Arnason — but hopes he won't have to rush to find him.

The Aberdeen boss knows that highly-rated Icelandic midfielder Arnason — out of contract in the summer — will be leaving after he rejected the Dons' latest offer.

Brown is praying Dons chiefs don't decide to cash in on his new skipper Arnason during the current transfer window.

He said: "I know he has rejected our offer and furthermore I know he won't be here next season.

"While he is happy here he wants a bigger salary, but I'm sure the club will not change it's present offer as this is the maximum which we can afford.

"It's disappointing he has decided to leave and I have to accept that and think now of finding a replacement in the summer."

Arnason's agent — former Dons star David Winnie — says the Icelander will see out his contract.

He admitted: "It is unfortunate as Kari loves it at Aberdeen but he will continue to do his best for them."

There was better news for Dons, though, with star kid Craig Storie set to snub Manchester United to stay at Pittodrie until 2014. Scotland Under-16 skipper Storie, 16 earlier this month, was wanted by United but the midfielder is ready to pen an extension to his Dons deal.

Daily Record

Kari Arnason set to quit Aberdeen after Dons reject his £5k-a-week demands

KARI ARNASON is heading out of Aberdeen after demanding £5000 a week to remain at Pittodrie.

The Dons offered the Icelandic midfielder terms that would have seen him become the highest-paid player in Craig Brown's squad.

Arnason, however, believes he is worth more and after the club last night refused to break their salary cap the player's days in the Granite City are numbered.

Aberdeen's board held an emergency meeting to discuss the player's demands but couldn't meet his terms because with debts running around £12million, a strict budget must be adhered to.

Arnason's rejection is a massive blow for Brown as the former Scotland manager was desperate to build Aberdeen around the midfielder for the next three years.

And the Red Army, who had signed an online petition and unfurled banners urging the directors to do everything within their power to retain his services, will be devastated at his departure.

Evening Express

Arnason to leave Aberdeen FC
Kari rejects club's contract offer

ABERDEEN FC today lost their battle to hold on to star midfielder Kari Arnason.

The club and the player's agent, ex-Aberdeen defender David Winnie, confirmed the Icelandic international is definitely leaving Pittodrie.

Aberdeen FC refused to be quoted but Winnie said: "Kari decided the final contract offer made to him is not what he requires. We were told there will be no further negotiations."

Aberdeen FC eyeing midfielder Gavin Rae
Craig Brown back in for Dundee star

ABERDEEN FC boss Craig Brown today confirmed he is ready to launch a bid to sign Dundee's Gavin Rae.

Brown is desperate to bolster his injury-ravaged midfield in the transfer window and is set to sign trialist Stephen Hughes.

But Brown could also move for Rae, who was linked with a switch to Aberdeen FC last summer.

'Aberdeen FC can find more young talent in Iceland'
Arnason tip of the iceberg, says former player Jim Bett

JIM Bett today said Aberdeen FC can exploit Iceland's conveyor belt of talented stars like Kari Arnason.

Icelandic international Arnason has rejected a renewed contract offer from Aberdeen FC.

The 29-year-old will leave Pittodrie when his deal expires at the end of the season. However, he could exit during the January transfer window if a club comes in with a cash offer.

The Press and Journal

Aberdeen resigned to losing Kari in summer

Aberdeen are resigned to losing Kari Arnason in the summer, but will not sell the midfielder during the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old has rejected a second contract offer and there will be no increase.

The deal would have made Arnason the highest earner at the club, but the figures still fall way short of what the player wants.