Craig Brown resigned to losing teenage midfielder Fraser Fyvie

The 18-year-old, who has made more than 50 first-team appearances despite a cruciate ligament injury disrupting his progress, has told Brown he will not extend his contract after rejecting an initial offer.

Aberdeen would receive compensation should Fyvie depart at the end of his contract in December but will listen to offers for the player in the summer, with Brown explaining he was joking when referring to a £5 million bid earlier this week.

Brown, whose side host Queen of the South in the William Hill Scottish Cup today, said: “At no time has Fraser Fyvie mentioned money but he has said he would like to pursue his career in England.

“He has been honest about it and I don’t think he would be disposed to stay in Scotland. I respect what he says – he wants to play at the highest level and that is in England.”

Brown, who lost teenager Jack Grimmer to Fulham last month, added: “He is very single-minded and, although I think he is a bit premature going before he has established himself, that is my opinion, that doesn’t matter to him. I predict he’ll sign a pre-contract in the summer and will leave in December.”