Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has suggested that his club have acted for the good of the Scottish game by approaching Livingston's Michael Hart to sign a pre-contract agreement.

The Dons have been accused by Livingston chairman Dominic Keane of breaking a gentleman's agreement between Scottish Premier League clubs not to poach one another's players.

But Wyness told BBC Radio Scotland's Your Call programme: "If we are going to have a gentleman's agreement between ourselves, we are going to find ourselves plundered by other leagues.

"Why should we let the English, and other leagues, come in and take our best players away?

It has restored some rational financial sanity into wage demands Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness

"I don't see why we should disadvantage ourselves at all."

Wyness pointed out that European-wide regulations had already been introduced to allow players to make arrangements for their next period of employment before the end of their current contracts.

The introduction of the new transfer windows had now forced clubs wanting to extend the contracts of their own players, without other clubs being able offer alternative deals, to do so before 1 January.

"Some things need to be ironed out, but I happen to be a bit of a fan of the transfer windows overall," said Wyness.

"It has restored some rational financial sanity into some of the wage demands."

Sunday newspaper reports suggest that Aberdeen themselves could become victims of a pre-contract agreement, with defender Russell Anderson being linked with Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Contract talks with Anderson, whose present deal ends in the summer, have been suspended while new boss Steve Paterson assesses his squad.

But the club insist that they have had no approach from any other club for the Scotland international.

Aberdeen are also interested in Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Dennis Wyness and negotiations between the clubs have so far failed to result in a transfer.

First Division Caley Thistle insist that the player has decided to remain with them until his contract ends in the summer.

However, Aberdeen may attempt to tie the player to a pre-contract agreement that will ensure his return to his former club at that time.

Meantime, Hart's agent has insisted that no pre-contract agreement has been agreed with Aberdeen.

Initial discussions have taken place after Aberdeen instructed Livingston that they would be approaching the 22-year-old.

Livi hope to retain the player and are planning a counter bid.