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Ross County are considering making a second move to sign Livingston striker Gerry Britton, who has been told he will not be offered a new contract by the new First Division champions.
It is understood County manager Neale Cooper tried to sign Britton before the transfer deadline but Livvy boss Jim Leishman wanted to keep him for the promotion run-in.
However, Cooper could be set to step up his efforts to secure the 30-year-old's signature once his contract expires on June 30.
Cooper said: "I am aware that Gerry is out of contract in the summer - but there is nothing imminent.
"He is a player I wouldn't mind having here at Dingwall but I am focusing on sorting out our current squad before I consider bringing in new faces over the summer."
Britton confirmed he had held talks with Cooper about joining County.
Britton said: "I spoke to Neale earlier in the season and he was keen to take me north, but nothing came of it. I haven't heard anything since but I am keeping my options open."
Cooper is keen to add a proven goalscorer to his side and the former Celtic, Partick Thistle, Dunfermline and Dundee striker has been a consistent marksman with all his clubs.
Britton joined Livingston last season from the Pars, but injuries restricted his appearances to just 17, although he still scored eight goals.
He has struggled with injuries again this season and has found first-team opportunities limited at Almondvale – making only five starts.
He has still scored regularly, despite being on the fringes of the team and his hat-trick against Airdrie in midweek moved him on to the nine-goal mark.
Neale Cooper and Gordon Chisholm - The Press and Journal
Ross County assistant manager Gordon Chisholm last night parted company with Ross County amid differing opinions over the reasons behind his departure.
Former Hibs defender Chisholm believes he is the first victim of a cost-cutting drive by the Victoria Park club's board.
And last night it appeared that County manager Neale Cooper was given little say in the matter.
Chisholm's exit ended a successful partnership with Cooper which saw County win promotion from Division Two last year and finish sixth in the First Division this season.
County chairman Roy MacGregor said: "We've decided that we want as many of our staff as possible living in the Highlands.
"Gordon has commitments in the Glasgow area which made it impossible for him to give us the extra commitment we needed from him by making the move up here, but he's done a fabulous job and it's been an amicable parting.
"We've told the players that we are looking for that added commitment from them all and I don't see this as a backward step but a slight change of direction – the way forward for Ross County.
"We intend to breed our own players as that appears to be the current trend in Scottish football. We have around eight youngsters with great potential, two of whom, Steven Mackay and Don Cowie, made their first-team debuts last Saturday."
The County chairman's comments cut little ice with Chisholm, who said the news that he had to look for a new job had been broken to him out of the blue yesterday morning.
He said: "I was called in by the chairman and he said I had to go because the club had decided to run with a smaller squad and with local boys next season. I am shocked and disappointed. When I went to the club two years ago the target we were given was to get promotion and stay in the First Division. That has been achieved.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this is a cost-cutting move. The club is determined not to land up in the same position as the Airdries and Mortons. I am now in the market for another job, although I know it is a declining market given the financial problems clubs face."
Cooper, faced with finding a locally-based replacement for his close friend and former No. 2, last night hinted he may promote from within the Victoria Park ranks.
He said: "This has been one of the hardest days of my football career because I've not only lost a great friend but also a superb coach and it's terribly upsetting.
"I hope our friendship will not be affected by today's events which were not instigated by me but by the board.
"Football can be hard at times and this is one of those times but I've just got to pick myself up and get on with it.
"But it is sad that only days after finishing in sixth place in our first season as a First Division club, something like this had to happen."
"We do have a lot of young guys coming through the ranks and that is, possibly, the way ahead and we may appoint somebody already with the club as Gordon's replacement."
Former Scotland, Rangers and Aberdeen goalkeeper Nicky Walker is on the lookout for a new club after amicably parting company with Ross County.
The 38-year-old Aberlour-based keeper has enjoyed his time at Victoria Park since joining from the Dons in December, 1997, and his experience has been a major factor in the Dingwall side's elevation to the First Division.
Walker said: "Ross County and I have parted on very amicable terms after three-and-a-half happy years. I was the only part-time player at the club and my young deputy, Gary Hamilton, was released. So, it makes sense for the club to look for a full-time goalkeeper as you can't have a squad of 16 or 17 players training every day without a recognised keeper."
He added: "Contrary to recent reports, I haven't hung up my boots as I intend to play in midfield for my first club, Aberlour Villa, in the local welfare league to keep up my level of fitness over the summer months.
"I have also heard that a couple of First Division clubs are interested in me and they apparently would be prepared to allow me to train locally and travel on Saturdays to play for them. I'm keeping all my options open. Even at 38, I still feel I have something to offer the game at a reasonable level."
County chief executive Alastair Kennedy was fulsome in his praise of Walker's contribution to the club, saying: "Nicky was without doubt one of Neale Cooper's best signings for Ross County. He's played a huge part in helping to take us from the Third to the First Division. He fully understood our need to find a full-time goalkeeper for next season."
County are believed to be on the trail of Berwick Rangers goalkeeper Gary O'Connor as they look to replace Walker.
Boss Neale Cooper is keen to sign a new keeper before the players return to training and is expected to make an inquiry for the former Partick Thistle and Hearts keeper. O'Connor, 27, has played almost 150 games for the Borderers and the 6ft 3in keeper from Newtongrange was watched by several clubs at Shielfield Park last season.
Meanwhile, Kennedy rejected recent reports that French midfielder Karim Boukraa had signed a new two-year deal with the Dingwall club. He said: "We have still to speak to Karim about a new contract as he is on holiday in France but I can confirm that we have released Boukraa's fellow countryman, Franck Escalon, who has also returned to his home land to receive treatment to a troublesome Achilles injury that has been threatening his career."
Midfielder Darren Henderson, released by Cooper at the end of the season, has joined Raith Rovers on a one-year deal. The 34-year-old was out of contract at County.
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