Morgaro Gomis has rejected the chance to move to Aberdeen.
The former Dundee United midfielder held talks with the Dons at the end of last season and this week Pittodrie boss Craig Brown admitted he still hadn’t given up hope of signing the Senegal international.
But Gomis has his heart set on a move to England so won’t be accepting Brown’s offer to head north.
That also scuppers Hearts’ chances of signing the 26-year-old, who is a free agent after allowing his contract at United to run down.
He has held discussions with Championship side Brighton and is waiting on other offers from south of the border.
Gomis said, “It’s very flattering to be linked with Aberdeen but to be honest it’s not for me.
“They are a big club. I know that from my time at Dundee United when we had some really good games against them and they were one of our main rivals.
“But at this stage in my career I just feel my next move probably lies somewhere down in England.”
He added, “It is obviously nice to know that Craig Brown likes me as a player because he’s a very good manager who has worked at the highest level.
“But I don’t think going there would be the right move for me the way I feel just now.”‘Fond memories’Gomis is enjoying a break back in his native Paris as he weighs up his options.
The midfielder has also been working out in the French capital to ensure he’s ready for his next club.
He said, “I am just trying to relax a little with my family and keeping myself ticking over at the same time with a few runs.
“It is important these days not to just sit around doing nothing as the close-season break is so short.”
He added, “There has been nothing concrete yet but hopefully things will start to pick up over the next wee while when a lot of people start getting back from their holidays.
“I have always been keen on the idea of playing in England so will just need to wait and see what happens.
“I loved my time in Scotland where I have nothing but fond memories but am looking forward to the next challenge in my career.”Mackay-Steven’s ambitionMeanwhile Dundee United target Gary Mackay-Steven has revealed he’s willing to play the waiting game to secure his dream move to Tannadice.
The Airdrie United winger, whose contract has just run out, has had a host of SPL clubs tracking him, including Hibs and St Johnstone.
But the former Liverpool youth player has his heart set on signing for United after he was won over by the club during a training stint towards the end of last season.
Mackay-Steven has been told by United that there will be no new recruits until players have moved, so there isn’t currently an offer on the table.
But that’s fine by him, as the ex-Ross County man isn’t in any great rush to get his future sorted out.
He said, “I’m on holiday just now and things have been left with my agent.
“There’s lots up in the air at United with regards players leaving and I think they want to get all that sorted out before they bring anyone else in.
“United are definitely my number one priority just now because I really enjoyed my time training with them and I can see myself fitting in there.
“Hopefully things will come together.”
If a United move doesn’t pan out, there could be other options for top-flight football for Mackay-Steven.
He said, “I think there have been a few clubs sniffing about, like St Johnstone and Hibs. I’m 100% determined to get back into full-time football.”