Aberdeen could be forced to play the waiting game in their pursuit of Preston North End forward Stevie May.
The Dons were lining up a £250,000 bid for the 24-year-old, who has returned to fitness following a horrendous knee injury.
But the Deepdale club have told the Dons they will be looking to recoup at least half of the £800,000 they paid Sheffield Wednesday for the Scotland international two years ago.
The forward is in the final season of a three-year deal at Preston and has made only four appearances since suffering a knee ligament injury in a 1-1 draw with Fulham Athletic on 28 November 2015.
May was told by surgeons there was a possibility he would never play again following the injury, having snapped all three ligaments in his knee.
But May made his return with a three minute appearance in a 4-2 win against Brentford last February and made another late cameo against Fulham a month later.
May started the final two games of last season for Preston and, having invested so much time and effort in his rehabilitation, the club are keen to have a closer look at the former St Johnstone player during pre-season training before deciding if they are willing to let him go.
Preston return for pre-season training on Thursday, June 29 ahead of their first friendly against Bamber Bridge on Friday, July 7.
The Dons are keen to have the transfer for May concluded for the start of their own pre-season programme, which begins on Monday.
Derek McInnes’ side take on May’s former club St Johnstone a week on Saturday in a pre-season friendly as they gear up for their opening Europa League qualifier against FC Ordabasy or NK Siroki Brijeg, with the first leg taking place on Thursday, July 13.
Ross County forward Liam Boyce, who has a £500,000 release clause, was a potential target for the Dons but McInnes is keen to be reunited with May.
McInnes gave May his St Johnstone debut at the age of 16 and has made repeated attempts to bring the forward to Pittodrie with the Dons linked with loan moves for May last summer and in January.