Aberdeen leading chase to secure striker David Goodwillie

David Goodwillie hit the net six times while on loan at Dundee United for the first half of last season

Aberdeen appear to be winning the race to sign former Dundee United striker David Goodwillie.

The three-times capped Scotland forward is without a club having left Blackburn Rovers this summer and had been training with St Johnstone.

But the Dons have stepped in to bolster their front line following the exits of Scott Vernon and Calvin Zola.

Goodwillie was linked with a move to Pittodrie in January before manager Derek McInnes signed Adam Rooney.

Kilmarnock have also been speaking to the 25-year-old striker, who spent last season on loan at Dundee United and Blackpool, having failed to make an impression at Rovers.

Goodwillie scored just five times for the Lancashire team, but hit six goals during his six-month loan spell on Tayside last season.

He started his career at the Tannadice outfit before making a £2m move to Blackburn in 2011.

Aberdeen were also chasing Kris Boyd this summer, but missed out when the out-of-contract striker signed for Rangers.