Caley Thistle are stepping up their efforts to retain the bulk of their squad for next season, with defender Carl Tremarco and midfielder Danny Williams the latest to be offered new contracts.
Inverness were recently boosted by defender Gary Warren, midfielder Ross Draper and goalkeeper Ryan Esson agreeing contract extensions but, along with the trio, only defender Josh Meekings and midfielders Greg Tansey and Richie Foran are signed up beyond the summer.
Premiership rivals Dundee have also made a move for Williams and fellow midfielder James Vincent, while youngster Liam Polworth is reportedly attracting interest from English League 1 sides Wigan Athletic and Barnsley.
Dundee manager Paul Hartley said: “We plan to speak to them and we have indicated that to the club (Inverness). It is only right to do that. We want to try to get our business done early again.”
Inverness manager John Hughes is keen to tie down more members of his squad but says he understands why players are taking their time in assessing their future.
Hughes said: “There are contracts out to Carl and Danny. It’s ongoing and we’ll just keep chipping away at it.
“I keep saying, if it’s not these guys it’ll be someone else. We’re constantly looking on the recruitment to try and see what we need.
“We’ve identified the positions we need and that’s ongoing for next year. The problem is, any one out of contract is 100% entitled to keep their options open.
“No one wants to commit to a pre-contract. We don’t pay the wages of Celtic, so I can totally understand that.
“Over the years we’ve found them, we’ve dug them up and brought players to the club that seem to enjoy being here. They enjoy that platform and express themselves, and we get the best out of them.
“I want to bring two or three in as well. It evolves, the supporters want to see new faces and we have to try and identify the ones who can come here and be the next Billy Mckay, Marley Watkins or Graeme Shinnie.”
Midfielder Tansey has been the centre of attention this week, having been the subject of a £200,000 bid by Aberdeen, which was rejected by Caley Jags despite the Dons believing they had triggered a release clause in the 27-year-old’s contract.
Inverness claim Tansey remained in the Highlands by his own volition and Hughes says it is business as usual for the Englishman, adding: “Greg is our player and we’ve got every right, no matter what happens, to try and fight to keep our player. That’s what we did. He’s just getting on with his football.
“He knows he’s a very big part of what we do at this club. It was important he stayed. He’s still under contract. Everything was done above board. It was just about us convincing Greg this was the place for him, and we did that.”