St Mirren's £250,000 price-tag on Jim Goodwin won't be a barrier for Aberdeen as they made their move to appoint a new boss.
The Buddies rejected an official approach from Pittodrie to speak to their highly-rated manager on Tuesday as the Dons go through the recruitment process.
Discussions are continuing over a compensation figure and Aberdeen will be forced to trigger Goodwin's release clause if an agreement cannot be found.
St Mirren sources believe they are on the verge of losing their manager.
They are aware Goodwin is keen to speak to Aberdeen but he must wait until an accord can be found with Saints.
The St Mirren boss and former Hibs manager Jack Ross were the two names that were on the Pittodrie wishlist as soon as they sacked Stephen Glass on Sunday.
Ross is also keen on the post but his possible appointment has been met with surprise opposition from some elements of the Red Army, despite leading Hibs to third place last season.
The Dons are still speaking to other candidates and hope to complete those first round of talks over the next 24-48 hours, but, as it stands, Goodwin is in the driving seat.
They were expected to talk to at least four candidates but there were two others on their list.
Goodwin now looks the favourite.
He made his name at Alloa, ironically, where he succeeded Ross.
The former Republic of Ireland cap then moved up to the Premiership with St Mirren, after Oran Kearney, in 2019.
He has gradually improved the Paisley outfit and before kick-off had St Mirren in the top six.
Aberdeen have kept their cards close to their chest but the likes of Paul Lambert, Robbie Fowler and David Robertson have both put their names forward for the job.
Another name linked has been that of former Aberdeen player Derek Adams who left his post at Bradford City yesterday.
