Lee Miller yesterday ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Aberdeen. The striker, 25 on Sunday, was thought to have been lining up a move once his contract ended in the summer but he has eventually been persuaded to stay by his manager, Jimmy Calderwood.

"I had considered several options," Miller said, "but in the end decided that staying two more years at Pittodrie was the best move for me. I want to be part of the rebuilding of the Aberdeen team with lots of changes for next season. I have enjoyed my spell here and I think it has been the most settled I have been at a club for a long time."

Miller, the scorer of a dozen goals this season, has proved a big favourite with the fans and Calderwood insisted he is a major part of his plans.

"I waited a long time for his answer, the longest I have ever waited for a decision from a player," said Calderwood.

"I think that tells you how important he is to this club.

"His other options were probably financially better than what we could offer but his family is happy, he is to marry in the summer, and it was important he made the right choice."

Calderwood is thought to be keen to sign David Forde, the Cardiff City goalkeeper, who has been on loan at Bournemouth. Forde would replace the departing Derek Soutar, although the Aberdeen manager refused to confirm his interest in the player.