Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen want their new stadium to be part of improvements to Aberdeen's beach area

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 current SNP and Lib Dem...