Alan Forrest is rated unlikely to sign a new contract with Livingston amid interest from Hearts and Dundee United.
The winger's form for the Lions this season has attracted the attention of several clubs, with the Jambos and Arabs thought to be serious.
David Martindale would love to keep him at the club but admits that is highly improbable.
The 25-year-old's contract expires this summer two years after moving on a pre-contract from Ayr United.
The Livi boss said: "I'm not resigned to losing Alan. I speak to him quite a bit.
"I'm speaking as a friend and I try to give the best advice possible.
"I've tried to keep him here with the offer of a new contract. I think it's beyond that stage.
"It's evident he's not going to sign a new deal, but he could still be at Livingston next season.
"It's probably stacked in favour of him not being, but I've not ruled us out.
"Marvin Bartley and I have spoken to Alan as friends and given him the best advice possible."
Martindale admits it's not ideal to see a star man's deal allowed to run down, but says its difficult to avoid.
"It's a situation I try not to let happen but we have to be realistic, it's going to happen," he added.
"It's disappointing but I can't force him to sign and the money he can get elsewhere outweighs what he can get from us.
"It's the part of the job I don't like because you are consistently losing your best players."
