The player’s wishes and the need for performers who are first-team ready are the reason why Ray McKinnon will allow young Dundee United defender Harry Souttar to head south to Stoke City.
The 17-year-old has travelled to England to have a look at Stoke’s training facilities and is expected to complete a switch that will earn the Tangerines around £250,000, plus add-ons.
Some of that cash will be used to increase the quality and experience of his squad and that’s why Ray believes it’s right.
“Listen, I don’t want Harry Souttar to go, he’s a very good young player,” he said.
“His family have pushed for it, he wants it and it’s about doing what’s right for us now.
“If we want to bring somebody in, if we want to strengthen the team, we need to get people out, that’s the situation.
“There was a wee bit of money freed up with Henri Anier going away but we need to free up a bit more. I’ve always had that problem since I came in.
“It would be getting money in for somebody who is young, not quite ready and they (Stoke) are buying potential.
“For the short term, we need to bring in somebody with more experience.
“So I would hope to see some of that money. I’m not sure how much but it will be something to bring players in and that’s the trade-off.”
Ray is looking to add quality in several areas of the park before the transfer window closes at the end of the month and it’s no secret central defence is one of them.
He admits, though, with quality defenders thin on the ground, it’s not an easy process.
“We are working hard to bring people in and strengthen but, if you want quality defenders, they cost — and I mean cost!
“For what our budget is, it’s very difficult to just go out there and get someone.
“We have to hold our nerve and get good value.
“There is no point bringing in people who are not better than what we’ve got just now.
“I’ve had two or three Premier League managers throwing players at us, so there are people available.
“But are they any better than what we’ve got and are they within our budget?”
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