Director of football Fry quashed rumours linking the club with sought-after Port Vale man Danny Whittaker but admitted an experienced utility man, two young Premiership loan players and an exciting young Scottish prospect are on the London Road hit-list.

Whittaker has stalled over signing a new dale with Vale, who were relegated from League One last season, and Valiants boss Lee Sinnott reckons interest from this level is the reason.

But Fry is adamant Posh are not among the clubs chasing Whittaker. He said: "I've had the media from that neck of the woods in touch but had to dismiss the speculation out of hand.

"He is not a name the manager has mentioned to me, he is not a player we have been talking to and I couldn't even tell you what position he plays in."

Scottish non-league international Paul Coutts is the man to have caught Posh's eye north of the border.

The 19 year-old helped Cove Rangers to Highland League title glory last season and scooped the league's player-of-the-season accolade.

Coutts has already spent time at London Road and is likely to be invited back during pre-season. Posh would have to pay a fee if they sign him.

Fry also revealed Posh have sounded out two Premiership clubs about potential midfield loan signings but manager Darren Ferguson has yet to select his top target.

Fry added: "Paul spent a week down here training and he is one for the future.

"Kevin Russell went up to watch him on international duty for the Scottish non-league team and I suspect he will probably be asked to come down again once the lads are back training.

"We will need to do a deal with Cove if we decide to take him, but that has not been done at this stage and it will really depend on whether or not we get either of the Premiership players we are keen on.

"We have sounded out the clubs of the lads concerned and both are interested in loaning the players to us with a view of perhaps doing something more permnanent in the January transfer window.

"The gaffer hasn't yet decided which of the two he would prefer and we are also waiting for a decision on what I would call an experienced utility player who is out of contract at his current club."

A couple of departures are imminent from London Road. Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal was due to hold talks with Torquay today while Adam Newton was set to speak to Brentford. Notts County and Oxford are also keen on him.

"The two lads are having their final talks and it is getting to the stage when they will be deciding where to go," added Fry. "I would think it is likely that both will have moved by the weekend."