Dundee United target Dunfermline defender Callum Morris

EXCLUSIVE

Dundee United are interested in bringing Dunfermline Athletic defender Callum Morris to Tannadice in the summer, Courier Sport can reveal.

But Jackie McNamara will face a battle with Aberdeen and his old club Partick Thistle for the centre-back.

It is understood all three Premiership sides are keen on the 24-year-old after he knocked back the offer of a new deal with the Pars a few days ago.

Dunfermline manager Jim Jefferies managed to persuade Fife midfielders Andy Geggan and Josh Falkingham to pen new deals, but failed with Morris.

Jefferies said earlier this week: “It is his decision but the offer is off the table now.”

Morris started his football career at the Newcastle United youth academy, but never made the breakthough there.

He subsequently moved on to Blyth Spartans and signed for the Pars in August 2012.

United could be looking to replace Gavin Gunning, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a transfer to Rangers, among other clubs. Sean Dillon is also coming to the end of his deal.