Aberdeen: Dons sign Swansea defender Alan Tate on loan

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Aberdeen have bolstered their defensive options with the loan signing of Swansea's Alan Tate.

The 31-year-old has signed for the Dons until the summer and fills the gap left by Michael Hector who is returning to Reading.

Dons boss Derek McInnes had said he was keen to strengthen following a number of defensive injuries.

Clark Robertson and Andrew Considine are both sidelined, while Mark Reynolds has only recently returned.

"I've made no secret of the fact that, even if Michael does come back, we are pretty short in terms of cover in that department," McInnes told his club website.

"And I'm delighted to bring in someone with Alan's experience.

"While Alan is predominantly a centre back, he can also play at full back if required, and he'll go straight into the squad for Sunday (against Kilmarnock)."

Tate, who has played more than 280 games for the Swans, has also spent loan spells at Championship clubs Leeds and Yeovil.