JEREL Ifil is set to discuss personal terms with Aberdeen over the next 48 hours, and could complete his move to the Scottish Premier League outfit in time for a debut this weekend.

Town have accepted a “formal approach” for the centre-back from the Dons, after Ifil starred on trial in Sunday’s friendly against Hull City, and if everything goes smoothly the 27-year-old could line up against giants Celtic in their league opener.

The former Watford man, pictured left, is Swindon’s longest serving player, having arrived permanently at the County Ground in June 2004, and admitted Aberdeen’s interest came as something of a shock.

But he is prepared to move north of the border in order to guarantee regular first team football.

“I had a look on the map and it’s up, up and then up some more,” said Ifil. “It would be a big move but I’ve got the blessing of my wife and we would do it together.

“The gaffer approached me just before the game on Saturday and said Aberdeen wanted to have a look at me in a trial game.

“He (Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee) was happy with it, but what he does from there I’m not sure. If it all goes well they want me to go in for Saturday.

“In that league you can play some big teams, and there’s a good atmosphere. I’m just weighing up the pros and cons and seeing if it’s worth my while.

“I wasn’t expecting to go there so it wasn’t even in my mind. If it works, it works, and if it doesn’t then I will just continue what I’m doing here.”

Town boss Danny Wilson would not disclose the specific details of the deal, keeping quiet over whether Town will receive a transfer fee for the player, but admitted: “We’ve given Aberdeen the go-ahead to speak to him.

“They’ve come back and made a formal approach and now the ball is really in Jerel’s court.

“It’s between Aberdeen and the player and we’ll wait to see if anything develops.

“We’ve brought players in who will give us good cover in defence, but what it would also do is give us a bit more freedom to bring a striker in of a little bit more quality money-wise.”

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee was full of praise for the defender following a dominant showing against Hull.

He said: “It’s clear Jerel does what we need. He defends well in the box by winning headers and making strong tackles. Jerel is also a great talker and defended aggressively, I really liked what I saw.”