Ross County have made a late bid to beat Kilmarnock to the signing of Aaron McGowan.
The Premiership pair have both made offers to the former Hamilton full-back.
McGowan is a free agent after he turned down a new contract with Accies last month.
Kilmarnock manager Alex Dyer wanted the Englishman to replace departed Scottish international Stephen O’Donnell.
The Scotland international rejected the offer of a new contract at Rugby Park as he looks to see what he can get elsewhere.
McGowan, 23, is currently considering his options, although he also has offers back in England.
County boss Stuart Kettlewell has made defensive targets his priority as he looks to improve their goals against column.
The Highlanders lost Marcus Fraser on freedom of contract and now see McGowan as his replacement.
County are also interested in former Motherwell defender Richard Tait.
Killie have been heavily linked with McGowan ever since his departure from Accies was confirmed.
The Ayrshire club have seen a huge turnover of players since the end of the 2019-20 campaign, with 14 first team stars departing.
Players leaving include O'Donnell, Jamie MacDonald and Juventus loanees Dario Del Fabro and Laurentiu Branescu.
