St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes has turned down an initial offer from Brentford to take over at the English League One club.
The Perth boss is keeping his cards close to his chest, but Saints chairman Geoff Brown revealed on Monday that Brentford will have to raise the stakes if they are to lure McInnes south.
“They have talked to Derek and, as I understand it, they have not made an offer that has been acceptable,” he said. “They made an offer to his agent, I believe, which he didn’t even put to Derek. It was dismissed out of hand.
“So everything’s in abeyance. I’ll have to chase things up. If they’re not going to satisfy Derek’s wishes then that’s it. We don’t want this to drag on, there’s no question about that. But that’s football.
“I’m happy that my manager is still here but I’m not happy in respect that the situation is open ended at a time when we’re in the process of trying to get a squad of players together for next season.”
Compensation for losing one of Scotland’s most promising young managers is an issue that hasn’t even been discussed yet.
Brown pointed out, “I told them I wouldn’t enter into any negotiations about compensation prior to them agreeing a deal with Derek. What’s the point?”
McInnes refused point blank to comment on the London club’s approach beyond stating, “I can confirm I have spoken with Brentford.”
He will certainly be in charge for the games with Hamilton Accies tonight and St Mirren at the weekend.
The 39-year-old, who led Saints to the SPL after taking over from Owen Coyle and has twice comfortably kept them up, added, “I’m getting on with the job and that is preparing for next season.”
Meanwhile, Falkirk manager Steven Pressley has revealed Saints want to sign out-of-contract striker Mark Stewart. The Bairns have offered a new deal to the 22-year-old, who finished the season as the first division’s joint-top scorer with 15 league goals.
Stewart is keeping his options open but Falkirk would be eligible for compensation as the lively attacker is a graduate of their youth academy.
Pressley said, “Talks are ongoing but we know at this time that St Johnstone are very interested in Mark Stewart. There is nothing we can do we hold the right over compensation and I would love to keep him here next season.
“He has been terrific for me but if Mark chooses to go that’s because he wants to play at a higher level. We have gone through a procedure and want him to stay. We have offered him a contract but there are clubs out there that are interested in him and St Johnstone is one of them.
“We have made the best offer we can make him and it’s up to him to decide.”