DEREK McINNES, the Aberdeen manager, is not fazed at the prospect of losing three of his key players – Ryan Jack, Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor – at the end of the season as he believes there are many quality players who would love to join his club.
Peter Pawlett has already handed in his notice with MK Dons looking a likely destination, though his manager insists he will still have a useful Pittodrie part to play before his summer departure.
Jack, 16 years with the club, may feel that he can better develop as a player elsewhere, while McGinn, a Hearts target in the January window, is thought to be eager to head across the border.
Taylor, enjoying a run of good form at centre-back, may also consider looking for a club in his native England as we reach the time of the season when agents begin to work hard for their percentage.
"They are big players for us,” McInnes said, “and I have made it clear that I want to them to continue their development and careers with us.
"They are quite within their rights to consider everything, but hopefully we can get some sort of clarity in the next week or two and see where we go.
"It hasn't stopped us doing our work.
“We still have our eye on the ball and are ongoing trying to prepare a squad for next season.
"I always feel we will be able to attract quality players to Aberdeen.”
McInnes insisted Pawlett, a bit-part player for the Reds this season, was made a very good offer which included a testimonial, to stay.
But MK Dons, in England’s League One, is a more attractive option.
McInnes added: "The biggest surprise is that we have not lost more players until now that shows players are happy here.
"We can provide a lot but ultimately finances play a part in it.
"People are at different stages of their career, but we always try to give the best offers we can.
"We're disappointed to lose Peter. He's the first one we've really wanted to keep but who has decided to move on.”
McInnes, meanwhile, has more pressing issues – tomorrow’s visit of manager-less Motherwell – as he wonders how the Fir Park men will react to their 7-2 thumping at Pittodrie three weeks ago.
"Motherwell are a better side than what they showed that night, “ he said, “so I think it will be far closer.”
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