Dundee boss James McPake has confirmed that Craig Curran and Andrew Davies have asked to leave the club for family reasons.
The English duo both want to return down south and are understood to be in discussions with the club about tearing up their contracts.
Centre-half Davies, who twice fractured his foot after signing for the Dark Blues in January, is still making his way back to full fitness.
Striker Curran, who is currently carrying a knock, was also snapped up by former boss Jim McIntyre at the start of this year.
McPake fully understands why both players want to return home, having been in a similar situation himself when he was a player at Coventry.
However, he admits that as things stand, Curran – who he insists has continued to be “different class” despite wanting away – remains an important member of his squad.
McPake said last night: “They have asked to leave but Andrew trained today as did Craig.
“Craig is in a difficult position as he needs to get back home, closer to his family.
“When you look at his attitude and the way he has been about the place, he has been brilliant and different class.
“He is great to work with but he just feels he needs to get back home. It is what it is.
“Ultimately it is between the player and the club but while he is here and until I am told differently, Craig is an important member of my squad.
“It is a difficult one for everyone, particularly Craig, but I will keep going back to the fact that he has been different class and that will not change if he stays here.
“I have been in that situation myself when I was at Coventry. I had to get back up the road so I know what he is going through.
“Andrew Davies is also wanting to return to England for family reasons.”
McPake, who brushed off reports linking him with possible moves for his ex-Livingston team-mate Graham Dorrans and former Dundee centre-half Jack Hendry, did admit that despite signing Kane Hemmings last week he continues to be on the look-out for further additions.
Former Dundee United winger Billy King is still on trial at the club and will take part in a bounce game tomorrow with McPake also looking at the loan market.
He added: “Billy is still here and I really like him. He has shown a real desire to impress, work hard and fit in.
“We have a bounce game on Wednesday which I hope he will feature in.”
McPake said: “We are still working (on recruiting) as we believe we are a bit short in certain areas of the team.
“If quality pops up, I will take a look at it.
“So we are still working away. The backing has been great which I knew it would be and we have been patient.
“We have also been looking at loans from the start.
“It is difficult though because teams up here in particular want to get through the Betfred or the European games first until they will let players out on loan.
“So do you risk it and wait to see what you get or go with other targets?
“It is a balancing act.”
