Dundee boss John Brown admits budget constraints mean it is unlikely Gavin Rae will be returning to Dens for what would have been his third stint at the club.
The midfielder was one of the players released by new Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes on Monday, and the player was immediately linked with a move back to Dundee.
Former Rangers, St Johnstone and Morton striker Peter MacDonald is another who has been heavily tipped to be heading to Dundee next season, and while Brown acknowledged he is the sort of experienced player he would like to bring in for their promotion push, as with Rae it is unlikely to happen unless the funds at his disposal increase dramatically.
The manager said: “I know Gavin well, but I am dealing with a budget at the moment that restricts me to signing up players who are here just now.
“He is well thought of by Dundee fans and if there was anything I could do, I would definitely explore that one.
“I had Peaso (MacDonald) as a kid and something we have lacked since I have been in is leaders on the park, so I would like to have more experience if I was bringing anybody in.
“Peaso has done well over the season for Morton to help them push Partick all the way in the First Division. His is another name that has been thrown at me. I have dozens of emails from agents recommending players.
“It comes with the territory, but I do like Peaso. He is a good link-up man.”
He added: “I should have a better indication in the next week to 10 days what my budget will be and whether it will be increased.
“I am hoping to get 15 of the boys tied up, and if it does get increased then I could add to that.
“I would like to get them signed up today if it was possible, but we are in the process of dealing with agents and that takes a bit of time haggling over things.
“But I have spoken to a number of the boys that I am looking to keep and they are keen, but there are a few of them there who will be attracting interest from elsewhere because of the way they finished the season.
“But I want to get the boys tied up so we concentrate on our pre-season and getting everything organised. I would like that to be settled as soon as possible.”
One player Brown is desperate to keep is Gary Harkins. However, the manager confessed he could be fighting a losing battle if the influential playmaker attracts attention from sides still in the SPL.
He added: “Hopefully, we can retain Gary Harkins but we don’t know yet. It will be difficult if the Premier League sides come in for him as he is an ambitious player and wants to stay at the highest level.
“So we will have to address that in the next couple of weeks.”