Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson is pulling out all the stops to secure the future of "culture setter" Graeme Shinnie, as contract talks heat up at Pittodrie.

The 34-year-old midfielder, whose current deal expires this summer, has been hailed by Robinson as "arguably the best captain I have ever worked with" — high praise from a boss who has coached at both international and club level. Shinnie's leadership on and off the pitch has made him indispensable, and Robinson is keen to ensure he remains a Dons player beyond the current campaign.

"I am very determined to keep Graeme Shinnie at the football club," Robinson stated. "He is a culture setter, and there are not enough people in this building that set cultures. What we are trying to do at the moment is speak to Graeme about where he sees himself and where he fits in."

While acknowledging that Shinnie won't play every game next season — a reality the veteran accepts at this stage of his career — Robinson sees a vital role for him as a mentor and standard-bearer. "It is vital we keep somebody like Graeme at the football club in a playing capacity that guides younger players and sets the standards, who also will play a part in games at times when you need that leadership."

The manager was clear that any new deal would be based on merit, not sentiment. "I don't give contracts or offer jobs to people as a token gesture to keep fans happy or as a sympathy vote. I give people jobs or opportunities that will make me successful and make Aberdeen successful, and I believe Graeme will play a part in that whatever role we decide."

Robinson also confirmed he has identified which players he wants to keep and which he's looking to move on in the summer. When asked about potential transfer funds, he struck a pragmatic tone. "I think we will have to generate money. The board have put a lot of money into the squad over the last three or four years, millions and millions of pounds, and that can't be continued. We are going to have to work smart and clever, but I have done that on a lot less money, so we are confident we can put a very competitive squad together."

For Aberdeen fans, the priority is clear: keeping a leader like Shinnie could be the cornerstone of a shrewd, sustainable rebuild at Pittodrie.