Alexander Diamond is almost certain to leave Aberdeen at the end of the season according to manager Craig Brown.

Heart of Midlothian are keen on the 26-year old defender and have the capacity to offer him a lot more than the Dons can indicating to Brown that the nine-season player will be off in the summer.

"The fax from Hearts makes it clear we now have a fight on our hands to hold on to Zander... They can afford to double the basic wage he is likely to get at Aberdeen," said Brown.