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With the Tynecastle side now focusing on different transfer options, including a contract extension for Mark Burchill, the way is clear for Aberdeen to snap up Miller, who has scored 11 goals in 21 games while on loan at Tynecastle, although it is possible that the Jam Tarts could restart negotiations if the player is unable to strike a deal with Aberdeen.
That the 22-year-old is still on loan with Hearts presents potential unease concerning Sunday's game at Aberdeen between the sides. Hearts interim co-manager Steven Pressley insists Miller will play at Pittodrie, however his fellow co-manager John McGlynn has said, "If the lad's head is not focused properly on the game then we may have to leave him out. It would be a blow as he is an important player for us."
Jimmy Calderwood, who will be central to the ongoing talks with Miller today and tomorrow, insists he would have no problem with Miller playing for Hearts against Aberdeen this weekend even if he did agree to move to Pittodrie before Sunday's game. Jimmy is also unconcerned that Miller and his agent may also reject the Pittodrie bid.
"The Lee Miller situation will be finalised one way or the other, hopefully today," said Calderwood in The Scotsman. "I don't think personal terms will be a problem but, if he and his agent disagree, then we'll move on as we have other irons in the fire."
Those irons include Dunfermline midfielder Barry Nicholson, who was the subject of an £150 000 bid by Aberdeen yesterday. As reported by Stand Free in January, Nicholson is keen to link-up again with the man who signed him for Dunfermline from Rangers. The Pars' new gaffer Jim Leishman hinted earlier this week that he is resigned to losing the midfielder to Aberdeen even though Nicholson still has a year of his contract to run, and Nicholson himself has today confirmed that he is to leave the Pars in the summer.