Aberdeen boss Craig Brown admits they face losing defender Zander Diamond to Hearts. Brown knows the Jambos will be able to double the basic wage being offered at Pittodrie to snap up the defender when he is out of contract this summer.

The Dons boss said: "Hearts' fax to us makes it clear we now have a fight on our hands and if it comes down to straight finances he will probably go to Hearts.

"They can afford to offer Zander double the basic wage he is likely to get with Aberdeen.

"I told Zander about the fax and asked him to let us know if Hearts follow it up with talks. I appreciate the way Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has kept me informed but it's a worry."