Dundee United are working to secure highly-rated teenager Ryan Gauld on a new, improved deal.
Less than 10 months ago, as United were on the brink of appointing Jackie McNamara as manager, Gauld was joined by fellow prospect John Souttar in the Tannadice boardroom to sign contracts that tied them to the Tangerines until January 2016.
The 17-year-old playmaker has sub-sequently blossomed under McNamara and, as a result, has been linked with moves to top clubs in England and further afield.
Now chairman Stephen Thompson and his board are hoping to put Gauld on a longer and more lucrative deal to reflect the impact he has made on the first team.
While not singling out Gauld, a Tannadice source did confirm: “As a club we are actively seeking to retain all our rising stars.”
Meanwhile, ex-United midfielder Prince Buaben has joined former teammate Morgaro Gomis in trying to win a move back to Tannadice.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian established himself as a regular in the midfield alongside Gomis in his four seasons at the club and was part of the Scottish Cup-winning team in 2010, although he left for pastures new at the end of the following season.
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Buaben is currently a free agent after two seasons at English Championship side Watford and has now linked up with his close friend Gomis, who has been training with United following his release from Birmingham.
The pair played for United in a bounce game against Peterhead at Stirling University earlier this week and McNamara was impressed with what they had to offer.
McNamara has previously admitted he is a fan of playmaker Gomis and would be keen on taking him back to the club if a deal could be worked out.
However, Courier Sport understands any contract offers are still likely to hinge on what happens with Souttar.
Sunderland have had a £600,000 bid accepted for the central defender and the 17-year-old has been given time to weigh up the Wearsiders’ offer of a deal, with McNamara expected to be handed some of the transfer cash to strengthen his squad if the move goes through.
Buaben and Gomis were rumoured to be interesting both Aberdeen and Rangers over the summer, although both clubs denied any approaches at the time.