It could be third time lucky for Dundee, with the Dark Blues among a number of clubs interested in signing Livingston midfielder Shaun Byrne.
The former Dunfermline man was an outstanding performer for Livi in their Championship promotion season two years ago and backed it up in the top flight.
Byrne has decided not to enter negotiations with his current club and only has one year left on his deal.
The fee needed to trigger his departure proved to be a problem for Jim McIntyre in January but Courier Sport understands Livi will be much easier to deal with during this window.
Byrne, who was once a transfer target of Paul Hartley when he was in charge at Dens, is exactly the type of player new Dundee boss James McPake needs to mount a serious bid for the Championship title.
The 25-year-old is likely to have offers from the Premiership and in England.
