Aberdeen have been warned they must come up with a financial package if they are to beat competition from other clubs in England and Scotland to sign Blackburn Rovers attacker David Goodwillie.
The former Scotland international has returned to the Championship club following a six-month loan spell with his former club Dundee United.
The Tangerines have decided not to extend Goodwillie’s deal for the second half of the season and Dons manager Derek McInnes, who was tracking the player in the summer, is keen on bringing the 24-year-old to Pittodrie.
McInnes has refused to comment on the link with Goodwillie, who is also wanted by fellow Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone and English League 1 club Oldham. But former Aberdeen midfielder Ricky Gillies, who represents the player said: “We have heard from Aberdeen, St Johnstone and Oldham. But it is difficult for Scottish clubs because of David’s contract situation.
“Blackburn will want to get him playing one way or the other, though, because he’s not an asset to them right now if he’s sitting on the bench. He has 18 months on his Rovers deal left but for him it’s not about money. He just wants to prove himself. He’s not in a rush to leave.”
While McInnes remains coy on his move for Goodwillie, St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has made his intentions clear. The Saints manager yesterday secured Tam Scobbie and Brian Easton on new deals and has set his sights on bringing Goodwillie to McDiarmid Park.
Wright said: “David is one we’ve inquired about, so it will come down to whether we can get a deal that suits us, suits David and also suits Blackburn Rovers.
“There are other clubs in for him – ones that have more financial clout than us – but in football terms there isn’t a better place to come than here. Coming to us is a good opportunity to help anyone’s career.”