Terry Butcher, the Hibernian manager, has declared an interest in being reunited with former Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Adam Rooney this month, but is not optimistic about his chances of luring the player from Oldham Athletic.

Rooney - who scored 53 goals in three years at the Caledonian Stadium - has one year left on his contract at Oldham, but Aberdeen are understood to be in pole position to sign him during this transfer window.

"We are one of seven clubs reputedly interested in him," said Butcher. "He has a year left on his contract and that would interest us. I would think that other clubs can pay more than us. I'm looking at other targets."