Greg Tansey did not want to leave, say Inverness

Aberdeen failed with a late bid for Caley Thistle midfielder Greg Tansey. Picture: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire

Aberdeen were baffled by Caley Thistle’s unwillingness to allow Tansey to speak to them after they submitted a £200,000 bid, which they expected would trigger a release clause in his contract.

An Inverness statement read: “Aberdeen FC made their official approach to us on Saturday evening in relation to an offer for Greg Tansey. This was followed by a period of activity, culminating in their final offer on Monday afternoon.

“This was an unwelcome and late approach for a very popular and influential player within the club.

“However, after meeting with Greg following the final offer we were delighted to be assured by him that he is happy in Inverness and that he had elected to remain at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium and we thank Greg for his integrity, honesty and loyalty to the club.

“The club then informed Aberdeen FC that their final offer had not been successful.

“In the period after Aberdeen FC making official contact with us, we were of course determined to act in the best interest of Greg Tansey and our club and we are confident that the outcome will be warmly received by our fans.”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes stated on Tuesday that Tansey had been keen to move to Pittodrie and that he would welcome an investigation into Caley Thistle’s failure to heed the release clause.

McInnes also revealed he had chosen to delay the offer going in until Caley Thistle’s game against Hearts was postponed on Saturday morning, as he did not want to disrupt their preparations for the match.

McInnes had said on Tuesday: “Greg’s agent told us about the clause weeks ago. We met the clause. I don’t actually know why he’s not here.

“I would actually welcome some sort of investigation because it’s unclear why he isn’t here and we feel he should be.”