Dundee United central defender Frederic Frans has vowed to stay at Tannadice and fight for his place.
A combination of manager Robbie Neilson’s January recruitment drive and a groin injury put a question mark over the 30-year-old Belgian’s future with the Tangerines.
However, he has declared himself ready to battle it out with the likes of Mark Reynolds, Mark Connolly and Rachid Bouhenna for a starting jersey in the new season.
Frans said: “My family and I are having a fantastic time in Dundee.
“Last season, we just missed out on promotion to the Premiership but next season we will go all the way for the title.
“Our new chairman (Mark Ogren) has invested heavily in a number of experienced players and expects nothing less than the title.
“This challenge appeals to me enormously so I will certainly stay here for the next season.”
Frans returned to United’s St Andrews base for pre-season training yesterday, with their first friendly match of the summer away to East Fife coming up on Saturday.
Joining him were new signings Adrian Sporle and Liam Smith, with more new faces to follow over the coming couple of weeks.
