| The Frenchman has hit the back of the net nine times since joining up on loan from Hibs in January and, while his stay is due to end after Saturday’s final league game against Hamilton, attempts to fix him up on a permanent deal are under way.
Hibs, somewhat surprisingly, have indicated he is free to leave Easter Road, and that is likely to prompt offers from several clubs.
Right now, the Dark Blues are at the front of the queue, and in their favour is the fact he has enjoyed his time so far at Dens.
And, while boss Alex Rae is remaining cautious over the chances of the striker putting pen to paper on a permanent contract, today he was not hiding his desire to keep Antoine-Curier.
“He has done well here and made a big impact, so, of course, he is one we’d like to keep. It’s too early yet to say how things will work out, but it is fair to say we’ll be trying to hang on to him.”
The front man is one of a number of players Alex intends meeting with over the next couple of days and that includes a couple who are in the process of leaving other clubs.
Dundee, meanwhile, will form a guard of honour and applaud their season long-rivals onto the pitch on Saturday.
“I’m told it’s the norm to do that, so that’s what we’ll do. It’s not something I have a problem with and I recognise Hamilton have had a very good season,” added Alex.
“In fact, I think both teams have been excellent. We are disappointed not to be the ones finishing top, but it has been a good race and taking it to the last week of the season means my players deserve credit, too.”
Looking towards the build up to next season, a Dens friendly against Wolves on July 19 or 20 should be confirmed soon and other games against English opposition are in the pipeline.
Part of the pre-season could be spent down south or in Ireland and offers of games and training facilities have been forthcoming from both sides of the border in the Emerald Isle. |
