Richie Brittain could find himself in footballing limbo land after it emerged that St Johnstone and Ross County both intend to register him as their player for the coming season.
The 29-year-old former Livingston and St Mirren midfielder agreed a pre-contract agreement with Saints in January but has now had a change of heart and wants to stay in Dingwall, citing “personal reasons”.
It is understood that the Staggies believe they can use the SFA rulebook to support the player’s case but the Perth club are adamant that under SPL rules, Brittain will be plying his trade at McDiarmid for the next two seasons.
Now the player could be left sidelined while the ruling bodies attempt to sort out the wrangle.
Rival chairmen Steve Brown and Roy McGregor held talks at Hampden on Tuesday but could not agree on a resolution.
Confirming he was now seeking “clarity” from the SPL and the SFA, Brown said: “I have spoken to Roy and to the player but nothing has changed after those conversations.
“We have no intention of backing down. With Steve Lomas going to Millwall, we have a new manager here in Tommy Wright but that doesn’t change things regarding Richie’s situation.
“Tommy wants him here for next season and we have Europa League qualifiers next month.
“We offered Richie a two-year deal in January which he grabbed and we fully expect him to join the rest of the squad in pre-season on June 27.”
Brittain pleaded his case to Brown when they had a sit-down meeting in Perth last month but the player failed to persuade the chairman to change his mind.
Brown is reluctant to cop the flak for making a dramatic U-turn which would have far-reaching implications for the entire pre-contract system.
However, the Staggies are eager to hold on to their star man.