Dundee United may make a summer attempt to sign Dunfermline’s Kevin Nisbet.
But manager Robbie Neilson admitted it will likely depend on whether current centre-forward Lawrence Shankland leaves Tannadice.
The Tangerines’ boss confirmed that United had a deadline day bid for Nisbet turned down by the Pars, as revealed in Courier Sport.
It is not as straightforward as saying that automatically means they will go back to the table once the next transfer window opens, however.
“He is a player who a lot of people like,” said Neilson.
“He is staying at Dunfermline but there was a bit of interest from a lot of clubs.
“We were keen to get him in but we didn’t manage to do it and it something we will re-assess in the summer.
“Things change and from our perspective it will probably come down to Shankland and whether he stays or goes.
“Going into the top flight, there are players in the Championship who can do it in the top flight.
“I think Nisbet is one I feel can take the step up. We will continue to monitor.”
United’s Nisbet bid of the best part of £500,000 was the latest show of intent since Mark Ogren bought the club.
“The chairman and Tony Asghar have shown ambition right from the start,” said Neilson.
“It is not about the here and now but also building for the future in the academy, as well as bringing players in developing them and selling them on for profit.
“We have shown that with Shankland and he can move up to another level.”
Meanwhile, United have brought French-Tunisian trialist Manoubi Haddad to the club to train.
“He trained on Monday and will play in a game and then we will look at him the rest of the week,” said Neilson.
“I said we are looking for pace in the wide areas and he fits that bill.
“He thought he would get a move in January and it didn’t happen but we have managed to get him in as a free agent. It is through Tony’s scouting contacts.
“We actually had a look at him in the summer but we couldn’t get it done then and now we have this opportunity to get him in.”
Neilson confirmed that Osman Sow has got a long road of recovery ahead of him.
“It is a real tough one,” he said. “I have known Osman for a long time and I have a good relationship with him.
“He will be out for a long time and we are probably looking at a minimum of nine months. He will miss the rest of this season and the start of next.
“We will give him facilities here to come and train and to get him back up to speed.
“It is one of those things. We got him back and he was starting to show his qualities again when he broke down again. He just needs to concentrate on getting fit again.”
