Eirik Horneland has emerged as a leading candidate for the manager’s job at Aberdeen.

The Norwegian is a free agent after leaving the position of head coach of French Ligue 2 club Saint-Etienne last weekend.

Prior to his 14 months in France, the 50-year-old had three successful years in charge of SK Brann in his homeland.

He secured a second-place finish in Norway’s top division for Brann after getting them promoted and also won the Norwegian Cup with them.

Horneland has also managed Rosenborg, who are regarded as Norway’s biggest club, and his hometown team Haugesund.

Aberdeen are entering the latter stages of their search for a new manager following the dismissal of Jimmy Thelin at the start of last month.