ABERDEEN could be on the verge of losing star midfielder Ryan Jack this summer.
The former Scotland under-21 player, recently linked with a possible move to Everton, is about to enter the final year of his Pittodrie deal and Derek McInnes, the club's manager, admitted talks to persuade the player to stay on had so far proved futile.
McInnes insisted that while he didn't want to lose the 23-year-old Jack, there was no desire to see him depart on a free transfer and that further negotiations would take place within the next fortnight.
"While Ryan hasn't said officially that he doesn't want to sign a new deal, we are still working towards getting an agreement, " said McInnes.
"I am quite relaxed. It is not that ideal scenario with any young player but I am quite relaxed that we are still in charge of the situation.
"I do believe there has been an improvement with Ryan in the last couple of seasons and his development in our team would continue to show over the next season.
"Like any club, if one of the bigger clubs want to come and take one of our players then it can be difficult at times to turn that down. We will do all we can to get what we think is a fair value for him.
"I don't think anybody would like to see him leave on a free, but at the same time next season is very important to us. We are trying to bring more good players to the club.
"Ryan has been a very important player over the last couple of seasons and we want that to continue. But, it is like anything else, you have got to be prepared if clubs come for any of your players.
"Whether they have a year, two years or three years left on their contract, sometimes money does talk. I would like to think Ryan sees the value of being at Aberdeen and having the confidence that his move will come in time."
Declan McManus, the Pittodrie youngster named PFA Scotland's League One player of the year because of his scoring exploits while on loan at Morton, is one of several players who will leave Pittodrie.
The club revealed McManus had rejected a contract offer after hitting 23 goals during his time with the Greenock outfit. Instead, th striker has agreed to join English League One outfit Fleetwood Town who have made him a better offer.
McInnes, speaking to the club's official website, said: "Declan has decided his future lies elsewhere and we wish him all the best in his future career. We want to continue to work with players committed to Aberdeen."
Instead, he'll join English League One outfit Fleetwood Town who have made him a better offer.
Meanwhile, McInnes announced the release of a number of players including defenders Joe Shaughnessy and Clark Robertson, midfielders Craig Murray, Kieron Gibbons and Jamie Masson, and Andrew Driver, brought in on a short-term deal in January. Another loanee, Donervorn Daniels, will return to his parent club West Bromich Albion,
Barry Robson, meanwhile, has been offered a new one-year deal at Aberdeen.
The former Celtic and Scotland star will now play on until past his 37th birthday after being handed a contract extension by McInnes.
Goalkeeper Danny Rogers, fresh from a loan spell at Dumbarton, has signed a new contract along with Under-20s players Michael Rose, Lukas Culjak, Robbie Mutch and Craig Storie.
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