Aberdeen could be forced to rethink their next managerial appointment as a deal for Eirik Horneland has become "complicated".
Earlier this month the Norwegian emerged as a leading candidate for the vacancy left by Jimmy Thelin's departure at Pittodrie.
Horneland, who left the head coach position at French Ligue 2 club Saint-Etienne at the start of February, has also managed SK Brann and Rosenborg in Norway.
But Times Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant told the BBC's Scottish Football podcast that, for reasons outside of the club's control, there may be an issue with appointing Horneland.
"The manager hunt has been complicated," Grant said.
"It's now six and a half weeks since Thelin left and there is that feeling that the manager they want might not come until the summer. Now, I think it's even more complicated than that.
"I'm not convinced or I'm not certain that Eirik Horneland's coming at all.
"He's the man that they've identified and fancied for a number of weeks. I think there's now another issue that's come up which is very complicated and it's a personal thing and it might mean that he doesn't end up coming as manager.
"It's unresolved. It might resolve itself satisfactorily.
"Aberdeen don't know at the moment whether Horneland is still available for this job or whether they might have to start looking elsewhere.
"It's a really difficult situation because if the results go into any sort of tailspin, the fans are going to be up in arms about the fact it's an interim team for so long.
"If it's not going to be Horneland, maybe they can accelerate a chase for an alternative candidate. They have spoken to other people, but there isn't clarity."