Dundee United’s Paul Paton is a target for St Johnstone, Courier Sport can reveal.
Perth boss Tommy Wright has confirmed that an approach has been made to the newly-relegated Tannadice club and talks have begun with the Northern Ireland international.
Paton is under contract for another season but United are understood to be willing to let him go.
Wright, who also reported that Murray Davidson and Steven Anderson have extended their deals at McDiarmid Park for two more seasons, said about Paton: “We wanted to clarify his situation and got in touch with United.
“We have had one conversation and we intend to speak to him again over the next few days.
“We needed confirmation that he was free to leave because he has another year on his contract.
“That seems to be the case. We have options but he is one we are talking to.”
Wright, meanwhile, is ready to draw a line in the sand as far as another United player, Ryan Dow, is concerned.
He said: “Looking at the success we have had who wouldn’t want to come here?
“But I have a decision to make on Ryan Dow and will probably make that over the next few days. I don’t see any point in letting it drag on.”
Getting Davidson and Anderson tied up is more good news for Saints fans, who can already look forward to seeing Keith Watson and Michael Coulson joining the squad.
“They are two important players,” Wright said. “They have played a major part in the success we have had.
“It is important that we keep the majority of the squad together and look to bring in quality as well.
“We have tied-up Michael Coulson and Keith Watson already and I am hoping to bring in another three, possibly four. We will see if some of the younger ones step up to the mark in pre-season.
“Murray is the type of player who is difficult to get nowadays. You look at the amount of ground he covers in games. He can handle the holding role but he prefers to press the game and get on the end of deliveries into the box. His energy levels are superb and he has chipped in with goals.
“He is the sort of player who would be very difficult to replace.
“Ando is an out and out defender and he has had another good season.
“First and foremost Murray and Ando are good players. Both maximise the ability they have been given. They work extremely hard, they are good professionals and both detest losing.”
He added: “It will be tighter next year. It was tougher this year finishing fourth.
“We still have targets that I want to bring in and we are still working on players here.
“I want to make sure the squad is strong enough to compete, to push for top six again and challenge in the cups.
“Our record against the top half teams this season has been superb and finishing fourth is an incredible achievement. We have the second best record against the top six but are 10th in terms of games against the bottom half.
“We have done really well post-split and it will be even better if we can make it five wins in a row.
“In terms of the split it has shown the character of the players. What is driving them isn’t money, they wanted to finish as high as possible. They are the fourth best team in the country.”
