ABERDEEN are keen on making Liam Scales loan move from Celtic a permanent deal, according to reports.

Defender Scales, 23, agreed a season-long switch to Pittodrie earlier this week.

However, it's claimed Jim Goodwin is a huge admirer of the versatile defender and interested in a permanent transfer deal.

The Scotsman report Aberdeen are looking to agree a transfer move for Scales in the coming months.

Dons boss Goodwin has long been aware of Scales who he tried to sign for St Mirren before being gazumped by Celtic.

The manager had watched Scales when he was playing for Shamrock Rovers in Ireland and looked to bring him to Scotland before he made the move to Parkhead.

But now, after landing the defender on loan Goodwin is said to be keen on making a full transfer move for Scales.

On Scales' arrival on loan, Goodwin commented: “Liam is a player that I have been trying to get for the last couple of years.

“I watched him very closely during his time at Shamrock Rovers, unfortunately I couldn’t get a deal done.

“Liam is 23 years old and has already amassed nearly 200 appearances in senior football. He’s a strong character with a winning mentality, who will no doubt be a great addition to the squad.

“He is coming in as a left-sided centre-half, which is the position I saw him play regularly for Shamrock Rovers, and the one we believe is his best position.

“He is aggressive, mobile, very comfortable on the ball and he has all the qualities you would want in a modern-day centre-back.”

Scales added: “He tried to sign me at St Mirren when I was at Shamrock Rovers.

“That is good as he knows what he is getting in me as he has seen me playing. I’m just looking forward to working with him.

“When I heard Aberdeen were interested, the gaffer got in touch and sold it to me."