New Aberdeen stadium talks taking 'longer than anticipated'

Talks between Aberdeen FC (AFC) and Aberdeen City Council (ACC) about a new stadium are taking longer than expected, according to the football club.

Discussions, which were described as positive, were held in December and followed disagreements on whether public money should be used to fund the project.

It was agreed AFC and ACC would work towards a heads of terms – a non-binding legal agreement - in the first quarter of this year, which could outline a way forward.

But in a statement, a club spokeswoman said: "Constructive discussions are still ongoing but are taking a little longer than anticipated."

Council co-leader Ian Yuill told BBC Scotland News discussions were continuing.

It is understood the club wants the local authority to borrow the money to build the stadium and receive rent from the Dons.

Private sector investment would also be sought.

AFC has planned for many years to move on from Pittodrie, the club's home since its founding in 1903.

The council's previous political leaders proposed a shared community stadium as part of a beach masterplan.

The current SNP and Lib Dem administration had previously said it did not think public money should be used for a new ground.

But talks in December seemed to pave the way to work out a way forward for both the football club and the council.