Stoke City could test Dundee United’s resolve to hang on to defender Harry Souttar.
The Tangerines knocked back a bid, believed to be around £250,000, from the Potters for the 17-year-old defender.
They see him as a big part of manager Ray McKinnon’s rebuilding plans at Tannadice.
But that refusal of the initial offer may not put the English Premier League outfit off.
They are now weighing up whether or not to return with an improved bid.
That would leave United and their gaffer with a dilemma.
As highly as he rates Souttar, and he would feature in the first-team squad next season, the gaffer knows he needs experience at the heart of his defence.
He would not expect Souttar to be playing every week, so it could be any cash received for him could be used to strengthen the squad overall.
The younger brother of fellow defender John, Souttar is highly-rated and has been watched regularly by top English sides when he’s turned out for the United youth team.
He made his top-team debut towards the end of last term and scored his first goal at Kilmarnock on the final day of the season.
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