Jim Goodwin believes Jak Alnwick and Connor Ronan are both more than capable of taking the step up from St Mirren to Aberdeen.
Record Sport revealed that the Dons plan to hold pre-contract talks with keeper Alnwick and they are also keen on on-loan Wolves midfielder Ronan, although Hearts are also interested.
Goodwin claimed it was “speculation at the moment” although admitted he is close to both players, who he brought to Paisley.
He said: “It is obvious the likes of Jack Alnwick and Connor Ronan would flash up.
“I have worked closely with them at my previous club.
“I brought both of them to St Mirren. Jack has been recognised as one of the top goalkeepers in the league since he went to St Mirren.
“He is in the top two or three in terms of saves made, again, similar to last season. Connor Ronan scored eight goals from midfield and scored another special one against Hearts the other week.
"These are players who I have very good working relationships with. I am in no doubt they could make the step up from St Mirren to Aberdeen but it is just speculation at the moment.”
The Dons boss did confirm he has a number of targets, not only in Scotland but across the globe.
He admitted he has been working with director of football Steven Gunn and head of recruitment Darren Mowbray to narrow that list down.
Goodwin admitted: “We are looking at a number of targets, not just here in Scotland or the UK, but we are using our resources in Europe and the rest of the world as well.
“It is something I enjoy doing and I enjoyed it at St Mirren.
“We had great success there with a number of boys that went on to earn international recognition, like Jamie McGrath with the Republic of Ireland.
“It is a big part of football. It is something I take a very hands-on approach and I will work closely with Darren Mowbray and Steven Gunn, director of football, so we get that part of it right going forward.”
