Dundee United won’t get their Stuart Armstrong windfall straight away but that will not affect their summer signing programme.
The Tangerines are in line to receive six figures from Celtic when Armstrong completes an expected £6 million switch to English Premier League outfit Southampton this week.
It’s because of a sell-on clause from the deal when the Scottish international left Tannadice for Parkhead back at the end of January 2015.
Once the £1m plus the Hoops paid for him then is deducted, the cash heading to Tannadice is likely to be between £400,000 and half a million.
While that will be more than welcome as United prepare for another money-losing season in the Championship, with the player’s likely move to England coming out of the blue, it is not something they budgeted for.
That means the further signings being planned will not be hit by the fact Celtic do not have to pay up straight away and, if they choose, could stagger the payments over two or three years.
What the money could become is a nice extra for manager Csaba Laszlo if he makes moves in the transfer market during the January window.
Right now he is looking to put the finishing touches to rebuilding a squad that’s already seen eight new first-team players fixed up.
He remains in the market for another striker and a central defender, in particular.
Potential target Callum Morris completed a moved to second-tier rivals Ross County at the weekend – along with former Tannadice team-mate Keith Watson.
Morris was still on a list of possible signings but after securing stopper Frederic Frans earlier this month, a footballing defender is being sought.
Former striker David Goodwillie could complete a move from Clyde to Premiership new boys Livingston this week if the clubs can agree a fee.
United were aware of his likely availability during the close season but, given his off-field issues, there was no chance of him being handed a third spell at Tannadice.
Monday saw the players start their first full week of pre-season training at their St Andrews base.
They are due to see action for the first time tomorrow week in a friendly at Brechin and more games are set to be pencilled in.
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