Nicky Hayen has emerged as a candidate for the Aberdeen manager vacancy, while Raphael Wicky, Steve Clarke and Gary Caldwell have been ruled out of the running, according to Record Sport.
The Dons are looking to appoint a successor to Stephen Robinson, who was dismissed less than four days ago following an eight-month spell in charge. The club wants a new man in the dugout before their return to action after the international break, when they face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on November 21.
Aberdeen have won just three of their 12 league matches this season and sit 11th in the table. Another defeat against fellow strugglers Kilmarnock would leave the Reds at the bottom of the Premiership.
Shortlist and Key Candidates
New chief executive Adrian Bevington is playing a key role in the search, working alongside sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel. The pair have drawn up a list of seven names in contention for the role, with the interview process reportedly underway.
Hayen, 46, is only recently out of work after being sacked by Championship club Burnley last month. He previously won the Belgian top flight and two cups during an 18-month spell at Club Brugge, and led the team to the last 16 of the Champions League in the 2024/25 season. He was also heavily linked with the Celtic job last year before the club appointed Wilfried Nancy.
Falkirk boss John McGlynn is another candidate, with the 64-year-old having led the Bairns to back-to-back promotions and a top-six finish in their first season back in the top tier. McGlynn's side beat Hearts 5-2 at Tynecastle before the international break and sit third in the Premiership. Former Scotland manager Craig Levein has urged Aberdeen to make a move for him.
Candidates Not in the Running
Raphael Wicky was put forward as a candidate earlier this week, just days after leaving Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. However, Record Sport understands he is not in the running to replace Robinson at Pittodrie.
Steve Clarke, out of work since stepping down as Scotland manager after the 2026 World Cup, has also been reported as a potential target, but Record Sport has learned he is not someone the Pittodrie hierarchy are looking at.
Wigan's Gary Caldwell has moved to quash any talk of an exit, saying: "Nothing from my side. Aberdeen are a fantastic football club with an incredible history. But as far as I'm concerned, there's nothing in it."
Antoine Kombouare, a former Aberdeen player, has expressed interest in returning as manager, saying: "Why not? Of course. I've done everything in France. I've managed nine clubs in France, and I was one year in Saudi Arabia. Why not for the experience?"
Dundee boss Steven Pressley has also been touted, with former Aberdeen captain Richard Foster urging his old club to consider him, along with McGlynn. Foster told BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast: "Just go 60 miles south and go to Steven Pressley. He's got the experience of a big club. Him and John McGlynn are the two that stand out for me domestically."
