Ambitious St Mirren look to have beaten off Kilmarnock for Joe Shaughnessy.
The Buddies are closing in on a deal that will see the defender sign for the Buddies on a two year deal.
The 27-year-old also had the option to join Kilmarnock but has decided on Paisley.
It will be a major boost for Jim Goodwin as he has trailed the centre half for more than a year.
He initially tried to sign him when he left St Johnstone for Southend last summer.
Goodwin has already signed goalkeeper Jak Alnwick and defender Richard Tait.
He is also closing in on another deal from England but he missed out on Notts County midfielder Mitch Rose.
The midfielder considered an offer from Saints but has decided to turn that down for family reasons.
Goodwin also made a move for ex-Hamilton midfielder Alex Gogic but he is wanted by Hibs and has an offer from Cyprus.
Goodwin also remains keen on out-of-contract Watford striker Alex Jakubiak, who was on loan with St Mirren last season.
Jakubiak also has interest from Livingston and he is also wanted by Mansfield Town.
