Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has revealed the appointment of a new head coach has been delayed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

Sky Sports News revealed the Dons were working on a deal to name former Saint-Etienne boss Eirik Horneland as their new boss, but that he might not join until the summer.

In a statement, Cormack confirmed that "most candidates were not available to begin work immediately".

Image: Eirik Horneland has had spells in charge of Norway's U19s, Rosenborg, Brann and Saint-Etienne

He added that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had held talks with "several strong candidates from both the UK and overseas" and that the club "mustn't rush or compromise" an appointment.

Peter Leven has been in interim charge since previous manager, Jimmy Thelin, was sacked on January 4.

Image: Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel (L) has been leading Aberdeen's search for a new head coach, with Peter Leven (R) in interim charge

Aberdeen are eighth in the Scottish Premiership, having lost five of the six league games overseen by Leven.

However, the Dons are in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals after wins over...