ATHLETIC have beaten the transfer deadline to add two players to their squad on loan deals until the end of the season.

Aberdeen forward Bruce Anderson, and Swansea City midfielder Ryan Blair, put pen to paper before the window closed at midnight.

During a busy final few hours of business, the arrival of Anderson, 20, was announced just before 10pm, with Blair's capture confirmed at around 12.15am.

Dons academy graduate Anderson, who was part of the Reds side that reached last season's SFA Youth Cup Final, and had a successful loan spell with Elgin City, scoring six goals in 13 games.

This season, he has made one start and 16 appearances for the Pittodrie outfit and has netted twice, one of which was a last-minute equaliser against Rangers on the opening day.

Speaking to Aberdeen's website, manager Derek McInnes commented: "Bruce is someone we have high hopes for, and I believe this loan spell at Dunfermline is the right fit for him and will provide a real opportunity to get some first team football."

Meanwhile Blair, 22, returns to Scotland having left Falkirk for the Swans in January 2016.

A product of the Bairns' youth system, he made his professional debut in 2014 before earning his move to South Wales.

He returned to Falkirk on loan last season, playing seven times and scoring once, and has featured on 10 occasions for his parent club this term.