Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna has handed in a formal transfer request in an attempt to force a move to England.
The Scotland international has had a number of opportunities to leave for clubs in England in each of the last three transfer windows but Aberdeen have declined them all.
This summer, Nottingham Forest, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke have all shown a concrete interest in the 22-year-old.
And Sportsmail understands McKenna has put in a transfer request as he looks to secure a move south before Thursday's deadline.
McKenna feels that now is the right time for a new challenge and that by playing hard ball and refusing to allow him leave in what is a good deal for the club, Aberdeen are holding him back from progressing his career.
Aberdeen are so far refusing to sanction a deal but it is hoped that they will soften their approach in the coming days to allow him to leave.
