Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has switched his attention to a replacement as Gary Mackay-Steven continues to mull over his future with the club.
The Dons winger is out of contract after Sunday’s game against Hibernian and is thinking over offers from other clubs including United States MLS side New York City.
McInnes has not ruled out Mackay-Steven opting to stay at Pittodrie but has turned his attention towards finding the former Celtic and Dundee United winger’s successor.
The Dons boss said: “I believe Gary has an MLS offer and others but he hasn’t ruled us out yet. I am preparing for life without him, if I am being honest, but we will see how it plays out.”
McInnes could find himself shopping for two new wide players this summer with Niall McGinn unlikely to feature in the Europa League first qualifying round should the Dons qualify for Europe.
Northern Ireland international McGinn snapped his ankle ligament last month and McInnes expects the winger to miss the next 12 to 14 weeks.
He said: “Niall has had his operation and he is in his boot. He will be back, probably, around the middle of July.
“If we were to get into Europe he would miss the first two games. There is work he could be doing physically and there is plenty for him to be getting on with over the summer.”
European football is the focus at Pittodrie this week as Aberdeen’s bid to finish third goes to the final day of the campaign.
The Dons remain in fourth behind Kilmarnock who are in front thanks to their better goal difference. Aberdeen must better Killie’s result this weekend when they travel to Easter Road to face Hibs while the Ayrshire men host Rangers at Rugby Park.
Last summer’s Europa League campaign was a brief one for Aberdeen after they were knocked out in extra-time in the second qualifying round by English Premier League side Burnley. But McInnes is eager to sample more European action in July.
He said: “We were at a sponsors’ night last week and we were talking about European football and highlights of the season.
“I liked the Burnley games because it lit a fire for me, everybody at the club and clearly the supporters. I was disappointed to go out there after extra time but I did just enjoy the games.
“It is hard for me to enjoy games even when we win because there is so much riding on the games, especially when we are playing the Glasgow teams. You enjoy winning but do you actually enjoy the game?
“With Burnley, I actually enjoyed the games and I want myself and my team to experience that again.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen keeper Tomas Cerny has signed a 12-month contract extension to remain at Pittodrie next season.
Czech goalkeeper Cerny joined the Dons last summer after leaving relegated Partick, having also had spells with Hamilton and Hibs earlier in his career.
The 34-year-old was drafted in by boss Derek McInnes as understudy to Joe Lewis, with his only appearance for the Reds so far coming as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Hibs at Easter Road in February.
Cerny, who has five Czech Republic under-21 caps, will now continue to provide competition for Lewis until 2020, with the Englishman having recently signed a five-year extension to his own Dons contract.