Aberdeen manager Steve Paterson claims to have given up hope of signing top target Dennis Wyness even though the Inverness striker was at Pittodrie on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old was in the stand, following further discussions between the clubs, as former Caley Thistle boss Paterson's side lost 1-0 to Hearts.

Paterson said: "We are still desperate to sign up a striker, but I can't see Dennis Wyness coming here at the moment."

Caley Thistle have said that Wyness has pledged to remain with them until the end of the season as they challenge Falkirk for the First Division title.

We have a few other options we can look at Aberdeen manager Steve Paterson

"Inverness are in a good position at the moment and will probably block it, as I would do if I was their manager," said Paterson.

"So it looks like that deal will be dead, but we have a few other options we can look at."

Paterson knows where his new side's weakness lies, with no Aberdeen player having scored more than three goals this season.

Time is running out as the January transfer window nears closure.

But Paterson said: "I'm confident I will have a striker by Friday's deadline.

"That would give everyone a boost."

Aberdeen remain favourites to re-sign Wyness, who was taken to Inverness by Paterson in 1999, when his present deal ends in the summer and could agree a pre-contract agreement with the player.