Jim Goodwin has revealed Aberdeen are in talks to tie down a number of youth stars to new contracts.
The Pittodrie boss explained discussions with Aberdeen starlets are ongoing as he was quizzed on potential Rangers and Celtic transfer interest in a couple.
Goodwin was probed on whether there was truth in the suggestion that Lewis Pirie, 15, was a possible Celtic target and that Fletcher Boyd, 14, had turned down a Rangers approach.
But the Aberdeen manager insisted he is "not aware" of either of the teenage talents speaking to other clubs.
With a nod to the youth set-up, Goodwin said: "Due to how well the academy has been doing, they have been to some major tournaments in Europe.
“They have gone quite far in a number of them and won a couple as well.
“Some of the big teams have obviously taken notice of a few of the kids within the ranks.
“We are talking to all of the ones we want to keep and hopefully we will have news on two or three of them in the coming weeks.
“The two you have mentioned I am not aware of them speaking to other clubs.
“But I do know that we are in talks with them."
Goodwin was also pressed on whether he could make a move to land Hayden Coulson on permanent terms from Middlesbrough in the summer.
The full-back is at Aberdeen for the season on loan but is out of contract with the English Championship side in the summer.
It opens up a possible free transfer switch should the player move on from his parent club and Goodwin wish to add him to his squad permanently.
But again Goodwin refused to delve into too much details on his plans as he insisted Middlesbrough are "in the driver's seat".
“Hayden has done great and has a contract with Middlesbrough until the end of the season", said Goodwin.
“They are obviously in the driver’s seat with regards to whether they want to extend that or not.
“He is one of the signings that we brought in during the summer that has been excellent.
“He has been very consistent and defends well like he showed for large periods of the game against Celtic. He is also a very good attacking threat as well.
“We always want to sign good players and Hayden is obviously a very good player.
“So we will just have to wait and see what happens come the of the season with that one."
