Caley Thistle midfielder Greg Tansey hopes his former team-mate Dani Lopez will join the Highlanders.
Spanish forward Lopez has impressed in Caley Jags’ last two matches as a trialist, and is a free agent after leaving La Roda in his homeland at the end of last season.
The 29-year-old came through the academy system at Atletico Madrid and played with Tansey at Stevenage Borough.
Manager John Hughes is allowed to make one wildcard signing before Thursday’s Europa League qualifier at home to Romanian club Astra and midfielder Tansey, who scored the opener in Saturday’s 1-1 pre-season draw against Championship side St Mirren in Paisley, hopes a deal can be done with Lopez.
Tansey said: “He’s got that bit of quality. I’ve played with him and trained with him quite a bit at Stevenage.
“He just needs to get fit, and I’m more than confident he would score a few goals for us this season if he signs.
“He fits into the way we play, he’s very good on the ball and can take it under pressure as he’s quite strong. He can turn and get shots off.
“People will hopefully see in the coming months what a good player he is.
“I thought it would be a perfect fit – he’s Spanish and the manager likes to play the Barcelona way.
“It’s been a long week for him, he’s a bit tired, but he just needs fitness and will kick on from there. He’s got a bit of flair, a bit of something different. He’s not afraid to do something out of the ordinary so I think the supporters would love him.”
Tansey gave Caley Jags the lead after just 11 minutes on Saturday, powering in a free kick from 20 yards, with Saints goalkeeper Mark Ridgers getting a touch but unable to prevent the ball finding the net.
Parity was restored on 28 minutes with an even better free kick from St Mirren attacker Alan Gow, who curled the ball past the static Ryan Esson from a similar distance.
Tansey was close to a second on the stroke of half-time, forcing a fine fingertip save from Ridgers.
Lopez replaced James Vincent on 50 minutes, with the Scottish Cup match-winner hobbling off with a knee injury, while fellow trialist Oliver Norburn replaced Ross Draper on 57 minutes.