Former £7m midfielder Palaversa joins Aberdeen

Ante Palaversa scored against Paris St-Germain for Troyes

Aberdeen have signed former Manchester City midfielder Ante Palaversa from Troyes for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Croat has signed a one-year contract, with the Scottish Premiership club having the option of a further two years.

He joined current English champions City from Hajduk Split for a fee of about 7m in January 2019.

Palaversa failed to make a first-team breakthrough with City, but Dons manager Jimmy Thelin told his club website: "Ante is a player with a strong pedigree.

"He will bring real quality to our midfield options with his technical ability.

"He has had a frustrating period in the last eighteen months. However, he is a player we believe has significant potential."

Aberdeen's fifth recruit of the summer, who awaits a work permit, came through the youth ranks with local club Hajduk and has represented Croatia up to under-21 level.

After being loaned back to the Split club by City, he was also farmed out to Oostende in Belgium, Getafe in Spain and Kortrijk in Belgium before a permanent transfer to Troyes.

Palaversa made only nine appearances for the French side despite their relegation to Ligue 2 and Aberdeen point out that his two years there were interrupted by injury.

Now, though, he is keen to fill the gap at Pittodrie with Dante Polvara and Leighton Clarkson both missing through injury.

"I feel I need to take this opportunity at Aberdeen to prove myself and get my career back on track," Palaversa said. "I know it is a big club.

"I'm a creative midfielder, I like to play football and I believe I will get my chance here."