Dons 'reach agreement' with Sunderland for McInnes; Larsson says future to be considered this week

Aberdeen agree Sunderland's offer for McInnes

After steadfastly posturing themselves as refusing to give up Sunderland managerial target Derek McInnes without a fight this morning, Aberdeen have now reached an agreement with the Black Cats for their manager according to BBC Scotland.

The two clubs appear to have reached an agreement over the compensation payment required for Sunderland to land their man.

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

The 45-year-old is now free to speak to Sunderland and enter formal negotiations over taking the reins at the Stadium of Light.

The Dons' new majority shareholder Dave Cormack had appeared on a Scottish radio station this morning to insist the Pittodrie boss had not asked for permission to speak to Sunderland nor had compensation negotiations concluded.

Multi-millionaire Cormack returned to the highlands club this week after serving as chief executive for 12 months back in 2000. After selling his software business last year, the US-based businessman is back on the Pittodrie board and has pledged investment in Aberdeen.

And like most triumphant returns, the Aberdeen-born entrepreneur had aimed to ensure he marked his renewed association with the SPL side from a perceived position of strength.

Reports had indicated the Dons were holding out for £1.2m compensation from Sunderland for McInnes with the Black Cats stuck at an offer of £750,000. Reports of this afternoon's agreement indicate this morning's hardball show from Aberdeen was reasonably easy to overcome in the end.

Larsson non-committal on future

Sebastian Larsson's assault on the Swedish press over his future has continued today.

The 32-year-old whose Sunderland contract expires at the end of the month has been telling the media in his homeland that he expects to provide an update on his intentions later in the week.

Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images

Asked about yesterday's reported interest from Turkish club Trabzonspor, the midfielder - who has spent six years on Wearside - dismissed the speculation:

I read about it in the newspaper. I have not had any contact with the club during the international assembly, that was how I wanted it. The idea is that my agent would have worked on this during the national team gathering. We'll see later in the week - then we will see what options are available.

But the Swede again hints that he sees his future away from Sunderland in suggesting he has several offers he intends considering:

We will look at all the bids, personally, I feel no stress about my decision. I weigh everything - it feels absolutely important that a new club will present a sporting challenge. What a challenge it is? I can not answer.

Vague words indeed. Larsson played 69 minutes in a central midfield role as Sweden drew 1-1 with neighbours Norway in a friendly in Oslo last night. Match reports indicate he even delivered several dangerous corners - one of which resulted in the visitor's goal. Now where were those last season?