McInnes fears Aberdeen may have to sell Ryan Jack

DEREK McInnes admits that Aberdeen may be forced to sell Ryan Jack this summer if the midfielder doesn’t agree a contract extension. However the Dons manager insists that will only happen if they get the right offer for the highly rated player.

By SCOTT DAVIE Friday, 15th May 2015, 1:00 am

Ryan Jacks current deal runs until next May and he is yet to commit to Aberdeen beyond that. Picture: SNS

Jack’s current deal runs until next May and so far there’s no sign that he’s ready to commit his future for longer than that.

McInnes knows failure to agree an extension means Aberdeen run the risk of losing the former Scotland under-21 international for nothing next summer. That’s a far from ideal situation as the Dons rate Jack every bit as valuable as Stuart Armstrong, Celtic’s recent capture from Dundee United.

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McInnes will do all he can to keep the player at Pittodrie but is determined to get the right price if they do have to sell.

Ryan Jacks current deal runs until next May and he is yet to commit to Aberdeen beyond that. Picture: SNS

He said: “We’ll probably look to get that situation resolved over the next couple of weeks as we won’t want him to go into the last year of his contract. We have been trying to find a way to get him to commit longer without success to be honest.

“While Ryan hasn’t said officially that he doesn’t want to sign a new deal, we are still working towards getting an agreement. 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 in 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. It is not that ideal scenario with any young player but I am quite relaxed that we are still in charge of the situation.

“We will do all we can to get what we think is a fair value for him. If we don’t then he will continue to do his work for us.”

McInnes is already resigned to losing Declan McManus for nothing with the striker poised to join Fleetwood Town.

Cross-border rules mean Aberdeen will get no compensation for the 20 year old who scored 23 goals on loan at newly promoted Morton this season.

McInnes was keen to keep McManus at Pittodrie but his offer of a one-year contract with options was rejected.

“Declan was offered a one-year deal with incentives for a two-year deal depending on how he did,” said McInnes. “We put a deadline after making that offer of last week, which has now passed. He has indicated that he is likely to take up another offer.

“I have spoken to the board at length, I don’t want to retain players or offer players deals for the wrong reasons. I am only going to offer contracts for players who I believe are going to play. That is why we considered everything.

“We are well aware that players can become attractive to other clubs if there is no compensation. That is a reality but I have to be offering contracts to players who I feel have a part to play. We felt Declan had a part to play but it looks like he has a better offer and we wish him well with that.” Joe Shaughnessy, Clark Robertson and Jamie Masson head the list of players released by McInnes with Andrew Driver also told yesterday that he wouldn’t get a new deal.

Donervorn Daniels is returning to West Bromwich Albion after completing his six-month loan deal. However veteran midfielder Barry Robson is expected to accept the offer of a new one-year contract.