ABERDEEN FC boss Mark McGhee today revealed he has turned to the internet to unearth new players.
McGhee has stepped up his bid to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season, and has already targeted Motherwell’s Stephen Hughes.
And the new Aberdeen FC boss will also use the world wide web to further hone his search for new signings.
He said: “These are modern times, so I have to use the technology that is available to me, so I use YouTube and Facebook.
“These are all things I can use to see players that are recommended to me.
“I have contacts all over the world, but nowadays unearthing players is mostly all about agents, recommendations and watching DVDs.
“At this time of the year, there is the danger of being swamped by these offers from agents, but you just have to sort through them.
“By using the internet, I can watch these players to get information, and if they impress then I could ask them to come on trial.
“I can then decide if they are good enough for me to sign them.
“I want to bring players in this summer, and it is an ongoing process.”
Motherwell midfielder Hughes has yet to give Aberdeen FC an answer on their move for him.
The 26-year-old is out of contract with the Steelmen, but is also being tracked by a number of Championship clubs and SPL sides.
Hearts are understood to have also offered the former Under-21 international a deal.
“Hughes is a player I would like to bring to the club, but we also have other targets and people we want to speak to,” said McGhee.
“Hughes is ongoing, as he is keeping his options open.
“I have to bring new players in by the end of the signing deadline.
“If I can get them in before the Europa League qualifier on July 30, that would be even better.
“I have a budget, but it is up to me how I use that, whether it is all on one player or a few.”
Zander is the man to captain Aberdeen FC
McGhee is not the only manager to have used YouTube to do his homework on players.
1. FORMER Aberdeen FC gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up 10-year-old wonderkid Rhain Davis on the back of a sensational YouTube video. The footage of Davis in action for an under-10 side in Brisbane has already had more than three million hits.
2. BARCELONA are also set to swoop for Turkey’s Yavru Kartal Muhammed following a sensational posting on YouTube, billed as the ‘new Ronaldhino’.
3. AUSTRALIA’S Newcastle Jets snapped up Edmundo Salomon Zura de Jesus of Ecuador after being impressed by him on YouTube.
4. AND Polish teenager Lukas Kutra of FC Tescoma is also being tracked by major teams after his performance.