Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies hopes the contract saga involving midfielder Josh Falkingham will end this week after showdown talks with the player’s agent.
The diminutive midfielder refused to accept the terms of a new deal last month, sparking suggestions that he would be set to leave East End Park on a free transfer in the summer.
Falkingham, 23, has flourished since joining the Pars in 2012, becoming the youngest club captain in Scottish senior football after Jordan McMillan was made redundant last season.
However, he was stripped of the armband after refusing to commit to the Fifers and his future at the club is likely to be decided in the next 24 hours after contract talks resumed on Monday.
Despite being keen to hold onto one of his prize assets, Jefferies is adamant that the Pars “need an answer” and he expects closure for both parties by Friday at the latest.
The coach said: “We spoke to the player’s representative this week and he will relay our thoughts to Josh (Falkingham). I would hope to hear something fairly soon.
“You make an offer and, understandably, the player will want time to think, but it is getting to the stage now where it could play on the mind.
“We can’t just keep going back and forward, talking and talking, and have the situation drag on forever. We have made a good offer to Josh and we should know by the end of the week whether he chooses to accept it.
“There is no animosity in the talks whatsoever we just need an answer.”
Jefferies added: “It is not just for our sake. I’m sure Josh will want to have his future sorted as quickly as possible, whether that is here or wherever else.”
New Dunfermline captain Andy Geggan, Shaun Byrne, Ryan Wallace, Ryan Williamson and Lewis Martin have all committed their future to the Pars in recent weeks.