Ayr United have turned down one of the biggest transfer fees in their history for top gun Dipo Akinyemi.
Somerset chiefs knocked back an offer of more than £250,000 in the January window for the Championship's joint-top scorer, whose deal expires in 18 months.
The Ayrshire Post can reveal that a club in England's League One was prepared to take the 16-goal striker back south in a lucrative move.
But Ayr stood firm - with bosses insisting they put on the park ambition before their bank balance.
Managing director, Graeme Mathie, told the Post: "As a club we have made it clear that this window was about prioritising on field success over transfer income.
"An offer was made that would have taken Dipo back closer to his roots and allowed him to play at the highest level he ever has.
"We fully respected that. But we have made clear to Dipo all along that he has huge value not just to the team, but as a human being."
Mathie, who brokered big moves for the likes of John McGinn and Josh Doig while Hibs sporting director, added: "We're very clear that this has to be right for everyone involved.
"That means that if the time does come, it must be the right club at the right time with the right fee.
"We've always been clear with Dipo that we will look to make that happen and I think he and his family appreciate that we are being open and honest to that end.
"He has shown great mental strength to block out the noise around him and continue performing to a high standard.
"The dressing room has also rallied around and reminded him what a crucial part he is of the group.
"We are very lucky to have him at the football club going forward."
Ayr's record transfer fee is Gary Teale's switch to Wigan in 2001 - for an initial £275,000 - which soared past £400,000 after add-ons.
Prior to that, Steve Nicol earned United £300,000 for his move to Liverpool in 1981.
Now with Ayr in the mix for a return to the top flight for the first time since 1978, they have refused to blink.
Mathie admitted: "The chairman and Board of directors deserve great credit for looking beyond the money on offer here.
"The finance was secondary to what could be achieved on the pitch this season and that is a great message to send to our supporters.
"We have been clear in our club plan that we want to develop players and have the ability to generate revenue from them later down the line.
"But doing that at the right time is also key.
"We understand there were aspects of this move that would have appealed to Dipo.
"But knowing how valued he is by his teammates and everyone at this club has been a major positive to come out of this.
"He understands his value and worth - not only on the pitch - but to the club as a whole."
Boss Lee Bullen added: "It's a huge boost as Dipo's impact has been there for all to see since he arrived.
"We always knew there would be interest but all he can do is keep working hard and doing what he does best.
"He's a massive part of what we're doing at the football club."
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