Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is confident he can convince his key players to stay at Pittodrie.
The January window will be an anxious time for the Aberdeen supporters with two of their most important players already linked with moves away from Pittodrie.
Hearts are reportedly interested in midfielder Niall McGinn, who is coming to the end of his contract, while Cardiff City have been linked with a £500,000 move for attacking midfielder Jonny Hayes, who has 18 months remaining on his contract.
McInnes is not surprised his players are being linked with other clubs, but insists there is no cause for alarm.
He said: “I’d love nothing more than to have my players secured, but I’m comfortable with the situation as it is at the club.
“We’ve spoken to a few players who are out of contract and a few who are under contract and the talks are ongoing.
“We’ve had a consistent three years here and I’d like to think the players would want to be part of our attempts to build on that. But if we don’t agree with everyone then so be it. That’s the nature of the beast in this game.”
Despite speculation about McGinn and Hayes McInnes expects only fringe players will depart Pittodrie during this transfer window.
He added: “We will look to see what we can do in the January window. That may be offset by one or two players moving on who haven’t been playing regular football.”
The Dons go into the winter break in fine fettle following a spirited finish to 2016 and Friday’s win at Hearts has taken them to within two points of second-placed Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
McInnes is pleased with his squad’s recent displays but has not ruled out improving the squad further this month.
He said: “When I have a fully fit squad then I don’t think I have to do too much during the window. We have had a fully fit squad for five or six weeks and that has helped performances.
“The job the medical staff do to keep them injury-free is fantastic.
“But it would be remiss of me not to look and see if there are one or two players out there who can make us stronger in the second half of the season.
“The break will help us as this is the third year in a row we have come back early for European football. That has had a part to play in the second half of the season.
“We have been so dependent on the same 11 or 12 players. The fact that hasn’t been the case this season will hopefully help us.”
