Miranda opts to stay in Argentina

Miranda made 52 appearances for St Mirren, scoring four times

St Mirren have confirmed that Franco Miranda will not be returning to the club from Argentina.

The 24-year-old defender was injured towards the end of last season before returning to Argentina to recover.

Saints manager Gus MacPherson had indicated a desire for the player to return on a permanent basis.

"We offered Franco a contract but he was looking for a 75% increase on his previous deal with the Club," MacPherson told the St Mirren website.

Miranda arrived at St Mirren on an extended loan in 2007 from Argentine side CAI, making 52 appearances and scoring four times.

It is really disappointing as I believe he would have been an asset for us. St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson

"We still don't know how fit he is after his injury from last season so that would have had to be checked out first to prove his fitness," said MacPherson.

"But, if he proved to be fit, we wanted him to come back to St Mirren but unfortunately we couldn't agree on a financial package to get him here.

"It is really disappointing as I believe he would have been an asset for us.

"Clubs are finding it difficult financially just now and some players don't seem to understand that.

"As I've said before, it is a player's prerogative if they want to see if they can get a better offer elsewhere."