Zander Diamond can earn more at Hearts says Aberdeen boss Craig Brown

Craig Brown today admitted Aberdeen won't be able to compete with Hearts' financial muscle if they make a move for Pittodrie star Zander Diamond.

Hearts boss Jim Jefferies has informed his Dons' counterpart he's considering a move for the 25-year-old whose contract expires at the end of the season.

But while revealing Aberdeen will make Diamond, a product of the club's youth system, an offer which will be "the best we can afford," Brown believes he'll find it hard to compete with the sort of wages available at Tynecastle.

The former Scotland coach, whose side drew 0-0 at St Jonstone last night, said: "If Zander gets an offer from Hearts as well then he will be left with a hard decision.

"Jim Jefferies deserves praise for doing the honourable thing. Because Zander will be a free agent in the summer he is free to speak to other clubs and doesn't need to keep us informed.

"Jim called me to say he hadn't spoken to Zander yet but hadn't ruled out the possibility of doing so. I got the impression he was still gathering information about Zander before considering his next step.

"But I appreciate Jim going to the bother of telling us there is a chance he might speak to Zander and his agent."

However, Brown insisted he'll fight to keep Diamond at Pittodrie saying: "It's no surprise other clubs are showing an interest in Zander. He's a very good player and that's why we plan to make him an offer as well. We intend to speak to Zander and the other players whose contracts are due to expire once our programme of fixtures has eased a little.

"The offer we make to Zander will be the best we can afford. He would have a key role to play in the team I'm building at Aberdeen. He's our vice-captain and has the potential to succeed Paul Hartley as club skipper.

"I'm hoping that will help in the battle to keep him at Pittodrie. But I accept he will have other offers to consider.

"He will make the final decision and if he chooses to leave Aberdeen he will get no criticism from me. I can also assure the Dons fans I have other players lined up to replace any who decide they want to move in the summer."