D'Jaffo departs Dons

The 33-year-old is to receive a £30,000 pay-off, and will now head to participate in the African Cup of Nations before beginning his search for new employers.

D'Jaffo will spearhead Benin's frontline at the African showpiece in Tunisia in a group including Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa.

The former Sheffield United hit-man, who arrived at Pittodrie in the summer of 2002, has failed to make a first-team appearance for Aberdeen this term.

However, despite being left out in the cold at Aberdeen, Dons boss Steve Paterson paid tribute to the forward, and insisted he expected the player to find another club.

"I would like to wish Laurent all the best for the future and I am sure he will pick up a new club before long," Paterson stated.

"Despite not being involved all season at first-team level he has been a model professional at all times."

D'Jaffo is the first departure from a list of eight players transfer-listed by Aberdeen earlier in the week in an effort to fund the arrival of at least two new faces during the January transfer window.