Aberdeen have pulled the plug on their pre-contract move for Jamie McGrath and manager Stephen Glass has stated he only wants players who have a real hunger to come to Pittodrie.
The Dons, who take on Rangers tonight, opened talks with the St Mirren player last month and despite making a very good offer the Irishman decided he wanted to keep his options open.
Aberdeen were not prepared to play the waiting game with McGrath and pulled the plug and are now looking at other targets.
Glass, who refused to talk about midfielder specifically, stated: “We want players that want to come play for Aberdeen.
“There is a pressure that is attached to playing here at this club.
“We are hoping that the targets we go for can see what we offer them for their careers.
“It’s a brilliant club to play for and I’m sure we will get the right people in the door.”
Glass is still working on other pre-contract offers, including St Johnstone keeper Zander Clark, as well as other options for this window.
The Dons boss confirmed: “We have targets we are looking at whether that be for this month or the summer.
“We need to make sure anything we bring in will strengthen and we talk about that continually.
“It’s important that we are in a position where we are not doing anything panicked or last minute either.
“It is all targeted.
“If we can get the right ones we will.
“If we can’t, we won’t bring in bodies just for the sake of it.
“That’s really important.
“We have young players whose pathways shouldn’t be blocked and in general we have a good squad as it stands.
“We don’t have to lose anyone unless things go outwith our control in terms of ridiculous money coming in for any player.
“Until anything like that comes on your table we are very happy with the squad we have got.”
Aberdeen are still waiting for confirmation from Blackburn that they plan to speak to Ryan Hedges or have sealed a pre-contract. The Ewood Park club have offered a summer move to the Welsh international.
Glass also stated there has been no further movement with in-demand Calvin Ramsay, who is being scouted by some top clubs in England and Scotland.
Aberdeen’s only signing Dante Polvara is now in Scotland. The American, who has just come in from Georgetown University, has his visa but is now waiting for his work permit. The Dons believe he is still a good couple of weeks away.