Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon is looking for a resolution to the uncertainty surrounding club captain Cammy Bell.
The 30-year-old keeper was once again linked with a move back to his former club Kilmarnock yesterday morning on a free transfer.
By the afternoon, United issued a brief statement saying they were willing to listen to offers for Bell.
Speaking before that announcement, McKinnon insisted there had been no contact from the Ayrshire side but the Tannadice manager is adamant that if Bell does ultimately leave the club, there will be a transfer fee involved.
He said: “Cammy won’t be leaving here for free.
“It has to be resolved one way or another. But if he does leave, it won’t be on a free transfer.
“Cammy has been training every day, his attitude has been fantastic and he’s part of the squad.
“We never instigated this, we have not heard anything from Kilmarnock and it’s unsettling for Cammy.
“The fact is, if anyone wants to come and take our club captain, there will be a fee involved.
“That is the stance of the club.
“We have treated him the same, he has been building up his fitness and is looking great.
“Until anything changes, he’ll be available for us and he’s available for the upcoming games.
“We have three very good goalkeepers at the club so I am happy with that.”
McKinnon’s squad will be stretched for Saturday’s Championship opener up in Inverness with Mark Durnan, Matty Smith and Scott McDonald all suspended while Patrick N’Koyi is injured.
However, the manager revealed he was “astounded” that James Keatings has returned to training and the striker has a slim chance of featuring in the Highlands just two weeks after injuring his ankle ligaments against Buckie.
The manager added: “James has done a little bit of training.
“He has astounded us, really, because it’s just two weeks since he got injured and it was supposed to be up to six he was out for.
“But he’s really pushing himself to have a chance for this weekend.
“It might come too soon but he’s adamant he’s a quick healer and is desperate to prove it.
“He’s a madman. He had strappings on when he was running about this morning.
“So we’ll keep an eye on him as the week goes on, it would be a huge bonus if he was to make it.”
