Dunfermline's resident poet and Einstein-alike Jim Leishman told BBC Sport: "Richie did not want to stay, but we are now negotiating a new contract with Barry [Nicholson]." Nicholson is now unlikely to leave the Pars as they stretch their limited finances in an attempt to retain him.
Jimmy Calderwood brought Byrne to Dunfermline from Shamrock Rovers in 2003 for £60,000, but the talented full-back made only eight appearances this season due to the fact that he turned down the offer of a new contract which resulted in him being put on the transfer list.
Dons Director of football Willie Miller has stressed that personal terms have still to be agreed with Byrne.
God said: "Talks with Dunfermline have gone okay, but we still have to talk to the player and that will be done on Friday or Monday".