Stuart Lovell has been in good form for Dundee

They have instead given a trial to Icelandic 25-year-old Porarinn Kristjansson, of Keflavic.

And they are poised to sign Scotland youth international defender Jamie Winter, who will be released by Leeds United if he finds a new club.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said: "I spoke to Dundee about Lovell, but it is considerably more than we can afford."

Dundee manager Jim Duffy has warned that only a "phenomenal" offer would take the 24-year-old former Portsmouth striker from Dens Park.

"We have received enquiries for Steve Lovell, but he has 18 months left on his contract and, unless we get a phenomenal offer for him, he won't be moving," he said.

We still need someone who will deliver 15 goals a season Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood

"It would be a crazy decision to sell him when he is our leading goalscorer and one of only two or three players who have performed consistently well for us this season."

Calderwood had turned his attention to Lovell after losing out on Stevie Crawford from Plymouth Argyle.

"Dundee United were willing to pay a fee for Stevie and we weren't, so good luck to them," he said.

Calderwood is keen to bring in a striker to halt the club's slight dip in form after a good start to the season.

"We still need someone who will deliver 15 goals a season," he added.

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"Players of that quality cost a lot of money, so getting them is difficult.

"We have made approaches and everything is in place to do deals, so it is up to others to now decide if we can proceed."