Dundee captain Gary Harkins will hold talks with his agent on his return from holiday at the weekend to discuss a possible move to SPL side Kilmarnock.
The midfielder has become a top target for Killie caretaker boss Kenny Shiels, who is being formally unveiled as permanent manager today.
Kilmarnock have lost a host of players since the end of last season with Craig Bryson, Alexei Eremenko, Mehdi Taouil, Frazer Wright and Jamie Hamill all leaving Rugby Park.
Shiels is keen to bring in new faces soon to calm a restless support and is determined to make Harkins who was snapped up by Dundee from Partick Thistle in 2009 for £150,000 one of his first signings.
However, while Harkins’ agent Kenny Moyes admitted there had been preliminary contact between himself and Kilmarnock, he said, “Talks are at an early stage and there is still a bit to do. I would stress that nothing has been sorted out yet. Gary does not get back from holiday until Sunday and we will be talking things through then.”
Dundee boss Barry Smith did not wish to comment on the potential departure of his captain. However, it is believed Dundee would not stand in the player’s way if he can agree terms with Kilmarnock, especially as he is one of the highest earners at Dens.
The loss of Harkins, who has also played for Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield Town, would still be a huge blow as he has frequently played a key role as goal provider as well as scorer in vital matches. Smith would find him almost impossible to replace.