Dundee United manager Csaba Laszlo has his fingers crossed that Scott Fraser’s link to Hearts is only a rumour.
The Tannadice boss is aware of reports that Tynecastle boss – and former United gaffer – Craig Levein is keen to snap up the Tangerines’ midfielder for free in the summer, when his current deal runs out.
Laszlo stressed he has heard nothing from Fraser, who has just had surgery on his broken foot, to suggest that is the case.
He also pointed out that the club are giving the 22-year-old their full support during his recovery, which the Hungarian hopes could be quicker than previously predicted.
Laszlo said: “I haven’t spoken to Scott Fraser because he is currently injured but if this is true then I am a little bit sad.
“That is because we are staying fully behind Scott and believe that before the end of the season he can come back and help the team.
“At the moment, I have just heard rumours and it’s not clear.
“If it is true then I would like for the player to come to me and say: ‘OK, gaffer I want to move.’
“I want honesty.
“Personally, I like Scott’s style of football.
“On the other hand, at the moment he also needs us.
“He has the injury and you never know how things will be afterwards. You have to build yourself up again.
“The door is open to him here and I hope, definitely, that this is just a rumour and nothing else.
“What would be ideal is if he can go to the Premiership with us.”
There is some light at the end of the tunnel at last for Laszlo as regards the casualty list, with upbeat reports on a handful of players providing a boost ahead of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Alloa.
The United boss said: “We do have injured players coming back and this is good news.
“I am so happy and it is really, really positive.
“We have had more than 18 fit players in training, which is great.
“Stewart Murdoch and Brandon Mason are OK, while Mark Durnan has trained fully after playing against Dunfermline.
“Jordie Briels is also back. He had treatment in Holland on his pelvic injury and he will begin training tomorrow.
“I hope he will maybe be able to play in a couple of weeks’ time,” added Laszlo.
“William Edjenguele had his final X-ray on his foot yesterday and he is still not 100%.
“But he will begin training this week, too, using the bicycle and doing some running.
“I think next week he will be working with the ball.
“We could be doing with his ability in the air in the team.
“So it is all really positive.”
United midfielder Graham Taylor has joined Edinburgh City on development loan until the end of the season, while defender Harvey Dailly has left the club.
