Short of sitting Derek McInnes in a dark room, in front of a glaring light and perhaps running the occasional electric shock through his body, it is unlikely that the Aberdeen manager will be made to give away any secrets surrounding his potential dealings in this transfer window.

Gregg Wylde's unexpected move to St Mirren was explained with diplomacy. A lack of playing time at Pittodrie precipitated the winger's departure, with Wylde later claiming that, while St Mirren initially wanted him on loan, he decided that he would rather make his employment at the Paisley side permanent. However, according to a Pittodrie source it was McInnes who took the decision to terminate Wylde's contract, though the manager declined to confirm such information.

Further questions on Aberdeen's interest in David Goodwillie, the Blackburn Rovers striker - linked with a loan move to Pittodrie after a similar deal with Dundee United came to an end earlier this month - caused McInnes to reach for the civil service manual once more.

"I've been linked with a lot of strikers," he said. "We are in a position where if we want to act and get a player we can, regardless of Gregg moving on and, as has been reported, freeing-up money. There's a chance we won't bring anyone in because I won't do it just for the sake of it.

"If I thought there was someone out there who can help us meet the challenges ahead then I will do it. I said a few weeks ago it wasn't like I was desperate for the window to open."

McInnes' reticence came despite rumblings from elsewhere that Goodwillie would welcome a spell at a club which is sitting second in the SPFL Premiership. Aberdeen are also a side that looks capable of registering their fifth successive league win when they face Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Pittodrie tomorrow.

"We've won two very tight games against them by the odd goal," added McInnes. "We've managed to beat a good side twice and it will be even more pleasing if we do it again."