Aberdeen have made an approach to St Mirren to speak to boss Jim Goodwin – but have been blocked by the Buddies.
The Dons are looking for their next manager after sacking Stephen Glass on Sunday.
Chairman Dave Cormack has identified Goodwin as a candidate to succeed the departed manager.
But their initial approach to speak to the Irishman has been rejected with the Paisley side insisting a compensation package is agreed first. It’s believed that is around £250,000.
They want a sizeable reimbursement in the event they lose their manager to Aberdeen – at a point when St Mirren are flying high just two points from fourth place and a Europa Conference League spot.
Goodwin is high on the list and it's understood he's above out-of-work Jack Ross, who was dismissed by Hibs in December, on the shortlist.
But there are other names, understood to be four or five, being considered as Record Sport revealed on Monday night.
Aberdeen will be managed by caretaker Barry Robson when they take on St Johnstone in midweek Premiership action on Tuesday evening.
