Aberdeen have rejected an attempt by St Johnstone to take Stevie May on loan.
The Pittodrie club have told their league rivals they will have to sign their former striker on a permanent basis.
May is McDiarmid Park manager Tommy Wright’s top transfer target but the club have not been able to offer the player enough money to make the move long term,
Wright hoped the offer of contributing to the 26-year-old’s wages would encourage Aberdeen to accept a loan but they have made it clear it is all or nothing.
It now remains to be seen if Saints can come to an agreement with May or the Dons before the close of the window.
Aberdeen are looking to free up money after a summer signing spree from Derek McInnes.
May , who still has two years left on his contract, has been deemed surplus to requirements and hasn’t even made the Dons’ bench in recent weeks.
He was a big-money signing from Preston two summers ago but he has never really hit his previous career heights in the Granite City.
The 26-year-old has had interest from several other clubs but has made it clear he would prefer to go to Saints, where in his first spell he lifted the Scottish Cup.
Saints are also interested in taking Oli Shaw on-loan from Hibs but finances have stalled that deal.
Aberdeen boss McInnes is likely to loan out several of his younger players before the close of the window to give them experience and to bring down wages.
Experienced midfielder Stephen Gleeson could also be moved on.
The Irishman is in the final year of his contract but has failed to nail down a top-team slot.
His future, however, could be delayed as he is still recovering from summer surgery and is unlikely to leave before he is fully fit.
