ABERDEEN'S search for a defensive leader hit a setback when Dunfermline refused to let Scott Wilson leave for free.
Pars chairman John Yorkston, who is no stranger to outbursts against the Dons in the media, accused the Pittodrie club of trying to pick up the defender on the cheap.
Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood told a local newspaper yesterday that he had made an enquiry into bringing the former Rangers centre-half to Pittodrie.
But Yorkston believes Calderwood and Dons legend and Director of Football Willie Miller are wasting their time trying to engineer a cut-price move for the player.
Yorkston said: "Willie Miller spoke to Jim Leishman two or three weeks ago to inquire about Scott's availability.
"We didn't put a value on him but they were told to make an acceptable offer and we have had no offer.
"Quite frankly, I think they expected to pick him up for nothing.
"We're not desperate to lose Scott. That's why he signed a new contract and we're keen to build a team around him."
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The 21 year old, who has been on trial with Rangers and Derby County, was set to play in this afternoon's reserve clash with Inverness at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium but the club did not receive international clearance in time for kick-off.
Lapira previously played for Notre Dame, under former Don Bobby Clark, and for Baton Rouge Capitals in the USL Premier Development League.
In 2007 he became the first amateur player to gain a cap for the Republic Of Ireland since 1964, when he played in a one all draw with Ecuador in New York City.