Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has admitted he's prepared to play the waiting game for a midfield target.

Speaking to Sky Sports and reported by the Sunderland Echo, McInnes was asked directly about his interest in Sunderland's Dylan McGeouch. The former Hibernian man signed a new deal at the Stadium of Light over the summer but has been heavily linked with a move away.

Aberdeen have already picked up Craig Bryson from Championship side Derby County but are keen to add one more to their ranks, with McGeouch reported being top of the list.

“Without going into the specifics, I’m keen to sign a central midfield player,” he said when asked about McGeouch.

“It would be no surprise that we’re asking about a lot of central midfielders at this moment in time. Some are more available than others. We would rather wait for the right midfielder, the one that we feel can give us what we want not just for this season but for the years ahead."

The 26-year-old made 22 appearances in League One for the Black Cats last season but struggled to hold down a first team spot on a regular basis. Jack Ross recently commented on his future, suggesting that a move wasn't on the cards.

"As a player, he wants to try and prove he can be a success here, so it’s a pretty straightforward one then," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"At the moment that’s how the situation is, I didn’t want him to leave and he wants to prove himself here.”

McGeouch began his career with Celtic and enjoyed a loan spell with Coventry City before moving to Hibernian. He's been capped twice by his country, both of which came before his Sunderland switch.

The Verdict

I think this is a deal that has legs. I know Ross is saying the right things, but McGeouch didn't get close to the first team last season and I can't see him being there this time out.

With the injury to Max Power and Lee Cattermole leaving, Ross will want to play a waiting game. He can't sell McGeouch before bringing someone in, but the fact he's looking at the likes of George Dobson suggests that Aberdeen are right to hold their nerve.

If the 26-year-old wants to kickstart his international career, he needs regular football. Another stint in the SPFL would provide him with that opportunity.