Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston says he is happy to wait while Faissal El Bakhtaoui weighs up his options and decides where his future lies.

The 23-year old striker, who is now out of contract at the Fife club, was a revelation last term, netting 30 times across 41 appearances in all competitions.

It has led to the PFA Scotland League One Player of the Year attracting interest with Aberdeen, Motherwell, Hibs and Rangers all being linked in recent months.

Johnston, however, sees the Moroccan as central to his plans as the newly promoted Pars aim to build on their League One successes of last season.

"We're hoping to bring in another two to three players" Johnston outlined, "and obviously we are still trying to sign Faiss who was one of our best players last year.

"He's a massive player for us, so fingers crossed we can get him back on board.

"I think he's just looking at all the different options he's got. Obviously a player of his quality is going to attract interest and he just wants to see what the next step for his career is going to be."

While the former Scotland and Kilmarnock midfielder is keen to keep his man, Johnston is under no illusions as to the lure of big clubs. When asked about the chances of keeping the forward at East End Park, Johnston said: "You can only try your best.

"He knows how much we want to keep him and I think another year, in the Championship, would do him a world of good because after that I'm sure, if he does well, he'd have lots of different options available."