Dundee boss Gordon Chisholm described that as “unacceptable” and yesterday it appeared the deal had gone dead.

However, the lack of a follow-up bid could have more to do with the fact Accies — including key administrative staff — are in Spain on a five-day training camp.

Hamilton manager Billy Reid is a confirmed Antoine-Curier fan and the New Douglas Park outfit had representatives at Dundee’s Alba Challenge Cup game against Alloa on Saturday.

While they won’t have been impressed by the striker’s performance, it’s unlikely Reid will have been dissuaded from attempting to snatch Antoine-Curier back after his eight-goal loan spell last season.

Meanwhile, Dundee will have to move fast if they want to secure the services of former Kaiser Chiefs defender Gordon Gilbert.

SPL duo St Mirren and Inverness Caley Thistle are understood to be interested in the 27-year-old Scots-born South African and tonight’s game against Forfar at Station Park may well be the only chance Chis gets to see him in action.

“I had hoped to play Gordon against Alloa on Saturday, but you can’t field trialists in cup matches,” said the manager.

“So he and Johnny Flynn will feature against Forfar and then after that we’ll sit down with them and discuss what we are going to do.

“As far as the rest of the team goes, I’ll maybe play with the shape a wee bit, too.

“Sometimes by doing that you’ll find players are comfortable working in a position where they’re not natural.

“So I’ll maybe have a wee tinker and see how that goes.”

Forfar manager Dick Campbell hopes to have “one or two new faces” in tonight’s line up.

He added, “We are just trying to get up to basic fitness in time for the season to kick off.

“Against Dundee, we’ll try something else again.”

Tonight’s game kicks-off at 7.30 and Forfar have announced reduced admission prices of £8 for adults and £4 concessions.