Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says contract negotiations with highly-rated midfielder Ryan Jack have stalled.
The 23-year-old is entering the final year of his current deal and could leave Pittodrie for nothing next summer.
Jack – along with Willo Flood and Kenny McLean – will not feature for the Dons again this season because they would miss the opening game of next season should they receive another booking.
The Dons are keen to retain Jack’s services on a longer deal but McInnes accepts there is a possibility the midfielder could leave in the summer if a club meets Aberdeen’s valuation.
He said: “We will probably look to get that situation resolved over the next couple of weeks.
“We won’t want him to go into the last year of his contract and we have been trying to find a way to get him to commit longer without success.
“While Ryan hasn’t said officially he doesn’t want to sign a new deal, we are still working towards getting an agreement.”
On the prospect of Jack leaving for free next summer, McInnes said: “I don’t think anyone would like that scenario but at the same time next season is very important to us.
“We are trying to bring more good players to the club.
“Ryan has been a very important player over the last couple of seasons and we want that to continue. But you have got to be prepared if clubs come in for any of your players.
“Whether they have a year, two years or three years left on their contract, sometimes money does talk.
“I would like to think Ryan sees the value of being at Aberdeen and having the confidence that his move will come in time.”
One player who will definitely be leaving Pittodrie at the end of the season is forward Declan McManus.
The 20-year-old, who has scored 23 goals while on loan at Morton this season, is expected to join Fleetwood Town after rejecting a new deal with the Dons.
McInnes said: “We felt Declan had a part to play but it looks like he has a better offer and we wish him well with that.
“We are disappointed but we will move on.
“I only want to work with players who want to be at Aberdeen.”
Mark Reynolds and Niall McGinn will be rested for this weekend’s trip to Dundee but captain Russell Anderson is expected to make his return to first-team action.