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St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin admits he is “quite relaxed” over the future of Jamie McGrath – despite admitting the Irishman is unlikely to be a Buddies player next season.
McGrath is out of contract in the summer and has been made an offer to stay in Paisley that would see him become the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
Aberdeen have been credited with a strong interest in luring McGrath to Pittodrie and, while Goodwin concedes McGrath’s future lies elsewhere he insists he won’t be sold on the cheap this month.
McGrath almost joined Hibs in the summer after a deal worth £350,000 plus a player swap involving playmaker Scott Allan and winger Drey Wright was agreed between the sides before falling through at the last minute and St Mirren aren’t willing to let the Irish international leave for a penny less in January.
“We are quite relaxed over the situation, we’ve made Jamie and his representatives a very good offer but Jamie is well within his right to go and talk to any club he wants to,” Goodwin said.
“Realistically of course it’s highly unlikely Jamie will be a St Mirren player next season but while he’s here we’ll use him as best we can.
“There’s a long way to go in this January window but we’ll try our best to keep him.
“Unless someone comes in with a financial offer which makes good business sense for the club, then there’s absolutely no way we will let Jamie walk out the door.
“We have a good dialogue between Jamie and myself and we have a very good relationship and of course he’s a top player and while he’s here he’ll do his best for the jersey.”
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