Dons sure Fergie fee won’t break their bank
BY FRANK GILFEATHER DEREK McINNES last night declared himself confident Aberdeen won’t be told to dig deep for Lewis Ferguson.
Hamilton and Dons are locked in a battle over the 18-year-old’s value after he left for Pittodrie in the summer following a precontract agreement in May.
Accies reckon the midfielder, who came through their youth system, is worth £1.25million while Dons have offered £100,000.
A transfer tribunal will decide on Monday what the Reds should pay, with Hamilton vice-chairman Les Gray yesterday insisting Accies are no “diddy club” and will fight for “what’s right in Scottish football”.
Reds boss McInnes said: “We have nothing to add, we will speak at the right and proper time.
“We will have a chance on Monday to put our case across. Will it be closer to our valuation? It will be, I’m pretty sure.”
It comes with McInnes buoyed by Graeme Shinnie’s response over a new deal.
His skipper’s contract is set to end next summer but McInnes said: “I’m quite relaxed because Graeme is saying all the right things and seems keen to stay.
“It is very important to me he stays longer and the offer is in keeping with his status at the club. It’s a strong offer.
“His agent can’t come up for a couple of weeks but when he can we will all get together and try to thrash out a deal to keep him here.”