Aberdeen boss Craig Brown admits it is unlikely he will be unable to hold on to Mark Reynolds beyond the summer.

The central defender moved to the Dons on loan in January from Sheffield Wednesday, having failed to break into Gary Megson’s side.

Since his switch north, there has been a change of management at Hillsborough, with former Cardiff boss Dave Jones taking over.

Having been in impressive form for Brown’s side, Reynolds is a wanted man at Pittodrie but the manager accepts the former Motherwell man will fancy a second crack at establishing himself in England.

“He's not a mercenary,” said Brown. “I do think though that he will need to find out what is going to happen down there.

“I think his idea is that he will go back there. He is their player for another couple of seasons.

“He goes back there for next season and will train with a fine manager in Dave Jones. I think he will see in Mark what the previous manager didn't see in him.

“Therefore it may be very difficult for us to keep Mark Reynolds. I would like to think we could, but I think it will be a difficulty.”