Aberdeen received mixed news yesterday in their attempts to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes on Monday.
One Dons target, former Ross County and Caley Thistle midfielder Don Cowie, is a free agent after terminating his contract with Wigan Athletic.
But Aberdeen’s hopes of bringing Southampton forward Sam Gallagher north have been dented after reports the attacker is set to stay in England.
Scotland international Cowie, 32, who is being tracked by Aberdeen and Ross County, ended his contract with the English League 1 club yesterday.
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell said: “Don is a player I have a massive amount of respect for. I have known him a long time as a team-mate for Scotland and here at Wigan and now this season as his manager.
“He is a fantastic professional and has never given less than 100% every time he puts on a match kit or a training top.
“The reality, however, is that he has not been getting as much football as he would have wished at this stage of his career and when the opportunity came up, he was happy with the situation and will now be able to explore what options he has.
“We wish him well, we hope he finds a club quickly because I have no doubt he has a lot to offer still.”
The Dons made an inquiry about Cowie this month, while Staggies manager Jim McIntyre has also been linked with a move for the player.
While Cowie’s availability could encourage McInnes to make a move it appears Southampton have decided not to loan attacker Gallagher before the transfer window closes on Monday despite interest from several clubs.
The Dons and Hearts have been keen on the forward, who had an unsuccessful loan spell at MK Dons, while there has also been interest from the English Championship in the 20-year-old.
The England under-19 international will not be moving to Scotland on Monday and is set to stay at Southampton when the transfer window closes before considering another loan move in February when the emergency loan window reopens.
The 6ft 4in forward is highly-rated at St Mary’s having made 20 appearances and scored two goals for Southampton since breaking into the first team in the 2013-14 season.