Aberdeen linked with Hibernian skipper Liam Craig

Liam Craig applauds the Hibs fans after their 2-0 first leg play-off win over Hamilton. Picture: Getty

Former St Johnstone midfielder Craig, who was handed the captain’s armband shortly after Terry Butcher’s arrival at Easter Road, has been told he can leave the club as part of efforts to reduce the club’s wage bill as they prepare for next season in the Scottish Championship.

The Press and Journal are reporting that Dons boss Derek McInnes - who brought Craig to St Johnstone from Falkirk back in 2007 - is still an admirer of the 27-year-old midfielder, but strengthening the Aberdeen midfield is not a priority for McInnes.

St Johnstone are also in the running to take Craig, who made close to 200 appearances for the McDiarmid Park side over two spells between 2007 and 2013.

Yesterday, Hibs axed 14 players, including three loan signings, following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership after losing to Hamilton on penalties in the play-off final.

Former club captains James McPake, Kevin Thomson and Ben Williams left, along with Paul Cairney, Tom Taiwo, Sean Murdoch, Alan Maybury, Dean Horribine, Paul Grant, David Gold and Bradley Donaldson.

Danny Haynes, Duncan Watmore and Daniel Boateng have returned to their parent clubs after their loan deals ended.

Arsenal youngster Boateng rarely featured and striker Haynes found first-team chances limited.

Sunderland winger Watmore returns to the Black Cats having seen his loan spell peppered with injury, but won the man of the match award in the final Premiership against Kilmarnock.

• Sun fails to shiift clouds as Hibs sift wreckage