Aberdeen are poised to conduct more interviews as they continue their search for a new manager.
Record Sport understands the Pittodrie club will hold further managerial talks with the final names on their shortlist to replace Stephen Glass.
They were rebuffed by St Mirren earlier this week in seeking permission to speak to boss Jim Goodwin but the two clubs have been unable to agree compensation.
Aberdeen are prepared to trigger Goodwin's £250,000 release clause should they decide he is the man they want to lead the club forward.
Former Hibs manager Jack Ross also remains a live option.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack and director of football Steven Gunn have considered top European coaches, others with Premiership and Champions League experience and those who have or are making a name for themselves in Scotland.
They are now down to a handful of candidates that they have identified and that have been put forward and fit into the Aberdeen philosophy and strategy - to play an exciting brand of football with a mix of homegrown talent and quality experienced players.
The short-term aim is to get back into Europe and then to get back challenging domestically.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen failed in an ambitious move for Bodo Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen.
The Dons made advances to the highly-rated boss’s camp earlier this week.
The 55-year-old Norwegian title-winning boss, who will put his team up against Celtic at Parkhead tonight in their Europa League Conference clash, was a name of strong interest.
Knutsen had been on the radar of Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack and director of football Steven Gunn for some time, whilst there had been growing support for him amongst the Red Army in recent days.
