Among those still on the list of targets are goalkeepers Rab Douglas and Derek Soutar, as well as Livingston midfielder Robert Snodgrass.

And, although so far no contact has been made with Wycombe Wanderers, their Scottish midfielder Gary Holt is still on the Dark Blues radar.

As he headed for the airport today, Alex stressed the distance between Dundee and his destination in the Maltese capital Valetta would not be an obstacle in bringing players in.

“The phone is going to be on while I am away and, even though we are spending a big chunk of today travelling, I’ll still be checking up on a few people,” he said.

“We are at the stage with most of them where, if things do happen, deals can be done very quickly and I am looking to push a few things along.”

His transfer budget has been boosted by the news that, come close of the discount sales period for season tickets on Saturday, some 1300 briefs for next term had been sold.

Going by past years, that means last year’s total of 2400 tickets is likely to be bettered.

“It’s good to hear the fans are sticking with us and the money they are putting up for tickets will give us a bit more to play with when it comes to trying to get the players I want.”

Echoing those sentiments, Dave MacKinnon thanked the support for yet another show of loyalty.

“Tickets have been on sale for only a month, so this is a magnificent effort by the fans and I want them to know everyone here appreciates their support,” he added.

Over the next three days in Malta, Alex and Dave will be checking out facilities with a fine toothcomb.

“We are going to have a look at the hotel, the food they serve, the transport and training facilities both indoor and outdoor,” explained Alex.

“I’m even going to look at a pool because having the use of one would give us the option of varying the training a bit.”