Partick boss Alan Archibald warns off clubs interested in Stuart Bannigan

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald insists only a "crazy'' offer would tempt the club to part company with midfielder Stuart Bannigan this month.

Reports suggest Ladbrokes Premiership rivals Aberdeen are set to make a move for the 23-year-old.

But Archibald has warned potential suitors they will have to wait until the end of the season to land the player when he is out of contract.

He said: "He is here until the summer and then we will deal with it at the time.

"We won't lose him this month. It would need to be a crazy amount of money to lose him.

"Somebody would need to come in and bid a lot of money when they can get him for free in five months time.

"As far as I'm aware, Stuart will stay here. We want to stay in this league and finish as high as we can and a key part of that will be keeping Stuart in the team.''

Archibald expects a number of clubs to be vying for the player's signature.

He added: "We spoke to Stuart at the start of the season and he made us aware that he probably wouldn't be signing a new deal.

"We offered him one anyway but we're not surprised there's a few suitors after him. I think there will be a few down south as well.''

While hoping to keep his squad together, Archibald is also keen to strengthen during the current transfer window.

He said: "We are looking to get one or two in but we're finding it difficult as usual trying to get the right one.

"I don't want to jump in just for the sake of it and take somebody who doesn't fit with the group.''