Aberdeen

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Goalkeeper Per Kristian Bratveit says it was a straightforward decision to sign for Aberdeen.

The one-time Norway international has signed an 18-month contract with the Dons after he left Stromsgodset last month.

Bratveit, 29, has been brought in as competition for Dimitar Mitov after back-up Nick Suman picked up an ankle injury in training.

"It feels really good to be here", Bratveit said.

"When Aberdeen made contact it was an easy decision for me to make. I had finished my time in Norway, and I want to do something different, and Aberdeen is such a big club it felt like a great opportunity.

"I'm to get to know the league and Scottish football in general. I've played in a lot of countries which have given me a lot of experience, but I am excited to call Aberdeen home now."

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Toyosi Olusanya goes into the Aberdeen squad after joining on loan from Houston Dynamo while Jesper Karlsson has departed. Emmanuel Gyamfi is a doubt and goalkeeper Nick Suman faces a few months out with an ankle injury but Mats Knoester has recovered from illness. Defenders Gavin Molloy and Kristers Tobers are still out with knee injuries.

Livingston could hand new left-back Babacar Fati a debut if the paperwork is completed in time. Aidan Denholm remains out with a hamstring problem while Shane Blaney has rejoined Sligo Rovers on loan and the injured Adam Montgomery's loan move from Celtic has been terminated.

New Aberdeen loan signing Toyosi Olusanya insists he has no point to prove as the former St Mirren striker looks to relaunch his career at Pittodrie.

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's loan deal for striker Toyosi Olusanya.

Here's what some of you said:

Jake: Good that we're doing some business, shame it's only loans. We just need to start getting more goals and points on the table.

Michael: Can't say I'm overly excited given his goalscoring record outside of St Mirren. Kind of screams Jay Emmanuel-Thomas or Curtis Main in that they were only signed because they played well one or two times against us. Hopefully he's a player that just thrives in the Scottish league.

Gordon: He certainly caused Aberdeen's defence real problems last season, scoring three times, but that was against Slobodan Rubezic and company. Good physicality for sure so probably worth a punt for a loan period to prove himself.

Russell: Don't understand this one. He isn't a prolific scorer and hasn't scored since leaving St Mirren. Lutz Pfannenstiel says he brings strength and aggression but Marko Lazetic has that and is technically superior.

Niall: If he can deliver the same pacy, dynamic style that caused havoc for us when he was at St Mirren it's exactly what we are crying out for just now. I'm not sure who he'll best link up with up front but I'm excited by the prospect of him feeding off Stuart Armstrong and Lyall Cameron from the midfield.

Rob: I remember he ripped Rubezic apart at Pittodrie. Easily done perhaps, but he certainly brings something different compared to the strikers we have.

Eric: Not sure this is the answer. Our strikers have been starved of real support, so no wonder goals are in short supply. Not sure Olusanya will make any difference as he's hardly prolific. Time for two strikers up front.

Steve: Hardly a singing that you can turn round and say, "what a player". Okay he scored a few good goals while at St Mirren, but what has he done since? Nothing. Are we just clutching at straws and hoping we get lucky? Or, should we recall the young strikers out on loan, and give them the chance to prove a point. Alfie Bavidge, who is scoring on loan at Inverness, is one that springs to mind.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven believes "good additions" Liam Morrison and Toyosi Olusanya can bring "freshness" to his squad.

Former Celtic and Bayern Munich defender Morrison, 22, has arrived from Queens Park Rangers while ex-St Mirren striker Olusanya, 28, has also checked in on loan, from MLS side Houston Dynamo.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership visit of Livingston, Leven said: "They are good additions, Liam he has played 11 times in the [English] Championship this season, brings experience so it was good to have him full training today.

"Olusanya is a player we know up here, he has done really well against us in the past and brings a different option for us with his speed in behind.

"100% that is the word we said today, a bit of freshness, new players. Again it might push other players, competition for places now but they are welcome additions."

Aberdeen were already looking to further strengthen their squad, but are now also seeking to sign a goalkeeper.

Second-choice keeper Nick Suman faces a lengthy spell out after injuring his ankle in training, leaving the Dons with just 18-year-old Rodrigo Vitols as back up to Dimitar Mitov.

Leven said: "I think Nick will be sidelined for a while now, that is something Lutz [Pfannenstiel, sporting director] and the recruitment team and Craig Hinchcliffe [head of goalkeeping] will be looking to probably strengthen there."

While departed winger Jesper Karlsson may not have hit the heights expected, he is Aberdeen's top scorer this season with six goals – the same amount as strike pair Marko Lazetic and Kevin Nisbet have netted between them.

Leven was asked what the team needs to do to get Lazetic and Nisbet firing.

"Create more chances, the change of shape might help them, playing with wingers now," he replied.

"But I can't just put all the pressure on the nine. I need my 10, the wingers, midfielders, especially last week at the centre-back Jack Milne scoring, so they have all got to contribute.

"But we have to create enough chances so they can get into the positions to score goals."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Interim Aberdeen manager Peter Leven has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership visit of Livingston.

Here are the key points:

• The club are looking to sign another goalkeeper after understudy Nick Suman was ruled out for an "extended period" with an ankle injury.

• Leven says the Dons' two new loan signings this week - defender Liam Morrison and striker Toyosi Olusanya - are "good additions" who will bring "a bit of freshness" and their arrival can "push other players".

• On the departure of Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson: "We wish him all the best."

• Having ended a seven-game winless run by knocking Raith Rovers out of the Scottish Cup, Leven insists "we need to back up last week's win" by seeing off bottom club Livingston.

• The Dons haven't scored in four league games and the interim boss says all his players have to "contribute" on the goals front.

• Livi are without a victory in 22 matches but Leven believes they have been "unlucky in a lot of games". He is expecting a tough game but says "it is all about what we do, what we can bring".

• Team news: Defender Emmanuel Gyamfi is a doubt with "a niggle", but Mats Knoester is back after missing the last game through illness.

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Toyosi Olusanya is determined to reignite his career at "huge club" Aberdeen after arriving on loan until the end of the season.

The striker moved from St Mirren to Houston Dynamo last April but has yet to start an MLS game and also struggled for game-time on loan at League One Doncaster Rovers earlier this season.

During his two-and-a-half years in Paisley Olusanya scored 19 goals in 85 appearances, 13 of which came in the Scottish Premiership.

The 28-year-old, who replaces Jesper Karlsson at the Dons, told RedTV, external: "I am very happy to be here.

"When I first heard of the interest, I felt that coming here would be a good move.

"Aberdeen is a huge club. I've seen the passion the fans have for the team, driving them on to do well. Everywhere they go, the supporters travel in big numbers and really get behind the team, so we need to give that back with our performances and hard work.

"I want to show what I can do. The last two years at St Mirren were good for me. Scottish football is where I really made a name for myself and hopefully, I can pick up where I left off.

"I want to score goals, work hard and be a team player.

"I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. I've heard it's a good group of boys and I can't wait to get started. I'm ready to go on Saturday if I'm called upon."

We asked for your thoughts after Jesper Karlsson's loan deal from Bologna was cut short.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Atulan: Karlsson was a technically gifted player but his attitude stank. He was not a team player and it looked like he even had a negative impact on team morale. His career looks to be on a downward spiral but if he changes his attitude he could be a success at Bologna. There is definitely a good player there but we just didn't see it on the pitch.

Neil: Sorry to see Karlson go but mainly because I recall how exciting it was when he arrived. With some memorable exceptions (Dundee at home), his performances have been disappointing in what has been a poor team. He seems to have gone downhill in recent games becoming increasingly selfish on the ball. The whole thing feels like a missed opportunity for both parties. That said, the ambition shown in bringing him to the Dons should be recognised and is something I hope to see more of in the future.

Alastair: Clearly a talented player but I don't think we got the best of him. I think he needs better players around him to bring out his best. Wish him well for the future though and grateful for the good moments he gave us.

Dave: The stats shown are interesting, however the reality is he appeared to have no stomach for a battle. Probably a good player in a dominant team but not in a struggling side. Query the recruitment team's due diligence. That said, good luck in your career Jesper.

Johnny: Good player, just not quite what Aberdeen need at the moment. We want someone to hold the ball up and bring others in plus he should press and defend from the front, that isn't Jesper's game. He's a sort of 'final piece' type of player but the Reds are a bit of a mess so need to get the basics right before adding in a luxury player.

Garry: Didn't have a major impact really. He often looked a bit put out with the standards of his team-mates, understandably. Not a guy I'd have signed permanently and suspect this departure was preceded by a wee chat with his agent to get out of Pittodrie rather than Bologna instigating this which adds weight the idea he thinks himself above the Premiership.

Aberdeen have signed former St Mirren striker Toyosi Olusanya on loan until the end of the season from MLS outfit Houston Dynamo.

Dons fans, what do you make of Olusanya's arrival? Are you pleased to see more options in attack? What other business do Aberdeen need to do before the end of the window?

Have your say via this link.

Queens Park Rangers have made a £1m offer to Dundee for centre-half Luke Graham, but Portsmouth are expected to come in for another bid after having a £400,000 offer rejected, while Aberdeen, Hearts and Sheffield United are also interested in the 21-year-old. (Sportsboom), external

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven has confirmed that Mitchel Frame will be staying at Pittodrie for the season despite interest from the Scottish Championship and Ireland in the 19-year-old left-back. (Scott Burns on X), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

When Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson joined Aberdeen on loan from Bologna the Pittodrie club hailed it as "a major signing coup".

He departs four-and-a-half months later - to spend the rest of the campaign with Dutch Eredivisie outfit Utrecht - having struggled to live up to the hype.

Karlsson - who cost Bologna £9.5m in 2023 - reunited with fellow Swede and his former Elfsborg boss Jimmy Thelin at Pittodrie, but the 27-year-old was hampered by playing in a malfunctioning team and the now-sacked manager's passive tactics.

Yet with six goals (including five in the league) in 26 appearances, Karlsson is the Dons' top scorer this season.

In his 18 league outings, Karlsson registered 50 shots and 16 on target - both the most of any Aberdeen player - while scoring the joint most big chances (three, level with Marko Lazetic) and joint most goals from open play (three, level with Adil Aouchiche and Lazetic).

Karlsson also created 29 chances - a total bettered only by Stuart Armstrong's 32 - but departs without an assist to his name.

His passing accuracy has been average, ranking 15th in the Aberdeen squad, while Topi Keskinen, Alexander Jensen and Adil Aouchiche all delivered more crosses.

Dons fans, what do you make of Karlsson's departure and time at the club? Are you disappointed to see him leave early?

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Falkirk manager John McGlynn has played down links to the vacant Aberdeen manager's job and insists he's had "no contact" from Pittodrie.

After back-to-back promotions, McGlynn's side are currently sixth in the Premiership and the 64-year-old is reportedly in the frame to replace the sacked Jimmy Thelin at Pittodrie.

"I'm purely focused on this game," McGlynn said as Falkirk prepare to host Hibernian on Saturday.

"I've had no contact and I'm not looking for that. I'm just looking to concentrate on the next game, keep the boys focused.

"The last thing I want is distractions. I've got to just focus on this game.

"I've been in the game a long time, it's not the first time. I was heavily linked with the Hearts job as well not so long ago.

"I always look upon it as a back-handed compliment for the work that's getting done. It's similar when players are doing well, they sometimes get moves on the back of it.

"I certainly don't want it becoming a distraction, that's for sure. As I say, I'm totally focused on this. I've got a good group of boys here. I've got guys like Scott Bain who's just re-signed a longer-term contract in here.

"I've been enjoying my work here. I'm just focused on that."

McGlynn, who has signed striker Ben Parkinson and playmaker Louie Marsh this month, indicated he is unlikely to add any further January recruits, saying: "I'm happy with what we've got."

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Falkirk boss John McGlynn and St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson are not frontrunners for the Aberdeen job, according to Herald sportswriter Stephen McGowan.

The Dons are still on the hunt for Jimmy Thelin's successor but are now in the latter stages of their search.

"I think they're probably down to a shortlist of four or five," McGowan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up with another overseas manager, a manager based overseas at the minute.

"They're interviewing candidates, there's been talk in some English outlets of Stephen Robinson and John McGlynn being frontrunners, I don't think there is a frontrunner."

With German sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel leading the manager search, McGowan suggests another appointment from outside the UK is likely.

"You would imagine with Lutz Pfannenstiel leading the process that there will be a possibility of German candidates on there," he added.

"I'm led to believe that there's one candidate currently in a job overseas in a country which is not Germany."

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• No side has dropped more points from winning positions in the Scottish Premiership this season than Livingston (15, level with Dundee United), who have drawn their past two league matches 1-1 despite going 1-0 ahead each time.

• Livingston are winless in 28 away matches in the Premiership (D7 L21) since a 3-2 victory at Hibernian in August 2023.

• Aberdeen have lost their past four league games, the longest ongoing losing run in this season's top flight. All four have been without scoring, while the Dons last lost five in a row without netting in November 2003.

• Livingston are winless in seven league matches against Aberdeen, alternating between defeat (4 times) and drawing (three) since a 2-1 victory in November 2022.

• Aberdeen have won just two of their past 11 league games against newly-promoted opposition (D4 L5), although one of those was away to Livingston in November (1-0).

Sweden winger Jesper Karlsson, 27, is to cancel his loan move from Bologna to Aberdeen and join Utrecht on loan. (Herald - subscription required), external

Aberdeen have around five names on their managerial shortlist, including candidates working in Scotland, England and overseas. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

A transfer fee for Lyall Cameron's move from Dundee to Rangers has finally been thrashed out by a tribunal almost a year on from the midfielder's switch to Ibrox being announced, but the fee for the player now on loan at Aberdeen will not be publicly disclosed. (Sun), external

Rangers will pay Dundee around £400,000 as a transfer fee for Cameron, 23. (Herald - subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

It wasn't a particularly memorable occasion at Pittodrie on Sunday as Aberdeen began their Scottish Cup title defence with a 1-0 win over Championship Raith Rovers, but it was all about the result for Peter Leven's team.

Jack Milne's first goal for the club was enough to take them through to a tough fifth-round tie against a Motherwell side that knocked them out of the League Cup in September.

It is also the club that ended their last hope of going back-to-back in the competition in 1991, Stevie Kirk scoring the first of his goal-laden campaign on their way to the trophy.

The arrival of Lyall Cameron on loan from Rangers has caused debate among the club's supporters and it's understandable.

Forget the fact he is a Rangers player, the bigger picture, as the Dons fans see it, is that they are developing a player for another Premiership club, one whom it's purported had the chance to move to Aberdeen on a pre-contract 12 months ago but chose Ibrox instead.

It is a win-win for Rangers because even if Cameron doesn't have a future there after his Pittodrie stint, a positive spell will allow the Glasgow club to increase his transfer fee should they look to sell him, potentially pricing Aberdeen out of the market.

And going by the midfielder's man-of-the-match performance against Raith, there is a good chance he will exalt his status at his parent club during his time in the Granite City.

It could also leave Aberdeen in the position they endured with Ryan Christie in 2017. He was one of their best players after being borrowed from Celtic and scored in the Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hibernian, but couldn't face his parent club in the final.

That is in the mid-future of course and it is likely Mothrwell will be favourites despite being away from home.

For now, as sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel continues to patch up the squad to get them to the end of the season, as well as attempting to source a new manager, the Dons return to league business with the bottom two up next after a testing set of games that led to another manager being culled.

Eighth place is unacceptable given the financial outlay on the squad but now the Dons will have to kickstart their push for a place in the top six before a massive double-header at home to Celtic precedes the Steelmen travelling north aiming to prise Aberdeen's grip off the Scottish Cup silverware.

Dons fans, we asked for your views on the arrival of centre-back Liam Morrison on loan from Queens Park Rangers.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: I think Lutz Pfannenstiel's connections are really going to help our recruitment. This is a very positive start. Like Lyall Cameron, whether Morrison stays beyond the summer remains to be seen. He already has plenty of experience and games under his belt at a very good level, this can only help our defence in the short term. Hopefully bringing much more calmness and composure.

Andy: He ticks a lot of boxes. The last box to tick is "fits into the defensive line like a glove."

Eric: Great signing. Pair him with Jack Milne in the centre of defence and get Dante Polvara back in the midfield where he is more comfortable and will add a bit of strength and threat along with Cameron. This will provide a strong core through the team in a 4-4-2 formation.

Justin: Hopefully a great signing as he's obviously been highly regarded at a very young age so would love to see the best of him. We still need more players.

Ian: At last, a defender who is good in the air! He has a good pedigree and sounds like a very sensible young man. Wish him well.

Arch: Given that we have no manager, getting in players on loan to rescue the season is probably the right way to go, we don't want to be getting long-term signings who may not fit with what the new manager needs. A Scottish centre-back with some pedigree is the correct decision in the current situation. I'd like to see a proven Scottish striker in next.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn is emerging as the leading candidate for the vacancy at Aberdeen. (Pete O'Rourke on X), external

Aberdeen are close to signing Houston Dynamo's former St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya, 28. (Sky Sports), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip