Aberdeen have completed the signing of Latvia captain Kristers Tobers in a three-and-a-half-year deal as he becomes the club's second signing of the January transfer window.

Joining from Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zurich for around £700,000, the 24-year-old defender's move is subject to UK Visa and immigration formalities.

The Dons will be hoping to get the paperwork done in time for Sunday's clash with Hearts, with Jimmy Thelin's side currently facing a crisis at centre-back.

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Jack Milne and Gavin Molloy are both injured while Slobodan Rubezic is suspended, leaving Angus MacDonald as the only fit centre-half available.

Commenting on Tobers' arrival, Thelin told the club website: "We’re really pleased to get this deal for Kristers over the line as we had to fight hard to get him here.

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"It’s taken a lot of work behind the scenes over the last few months but he believes in what we are trying to build here and how competitive we want to be domestically, and also in Europe.

"Kristers is the consummate professional and not only will he fit into our style of play but he will add real leadership qualities to the squad.

"Despite his relatively young age we believe he will help our younger, developing players and we are confident will be a player that will make an immediate positive impact on and off the pitch."

Tobers joined Grasshoppers in 2023 from Lechia Gdansk on a two-year deal, quickly establishing himself with the Swiss outfit and going on to make 44 appearances.

He has also starred for Latvia in recent months as their captain, bagging his first international goal in a clash against Turkey, and he is now raring to go with the Dons as he looks to shore up the defence.

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Tobers added: "I’m really happy to be here. It’s been great to be at the training ground to meet all the players and I am looking forward to this new challenge.

"From listening to the manager and the coaching staff it felt like this was the right place to be. I felt in my heart this was the right decision for me.

"I believe this opportunity will help me to grow, it will help develop me physically, technically and mentally. It’s not easy to move out of your comfort zone.

"Aberdeen is such a big club in Scotland, even the response to the rumours in recent weeks have been so positive. It is clear they love football but it’s a big responsibility to show them we can win and make them happy and I just want to help the players here try to do that."