Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has held talks with central defender Irmantas Zelmikas’ representatives to find a deal suitable to both parties.
The Tangerines are keen to bolster their defence in the wake of the return of loan Ranger Andy Webster to Ibrox and Lee Wilkie’s retiral from the game.
Manager Peter Houston has pinpointed Lithuanian international Zelmikas as someone who will add experience to his backline for the new SPL season, which gets under way a week on Saturday.
Zelmikas has played a prominent role in United’s summer schedule, most recently scoring at both ends against Hull City.
Now it is down to the nitty-gritty of negotiating a deal to bring him to Tannadice on a permanent basis.
Thompson said, “I appreciate we need a central defender but this one is not concluded yet.”
Meanwhile, striker Francisco Sandaza has been told to stay positive as it was confirmed his hamstring problem is not as bad as first thought.
Houston said, “Fran’s injury is less serious than we feared but he is still missing training and I don’t know if he will be fit for the first game of the season.
“He is dejected because he is picking up these injuries but I have told him not to worry about it. It is not his fault it is not as if he means to get injured.”Absentees could returnDanny Swanson has had a protective boot put on his foot but Houston is not getting too worried about that one either.
He said, “The news on Danny isn’t great because his Achilles has flared up again.
“Mind you, he is out suspended for the first two games of the season anyway.
“So he has the protective boot back on him and he will keep that on for a week.”
On a more positive note, Danny Cadamarteri, Jon Daly and Craig Conway, who all missed the Hull match, could be available for Sunday’s final friendly against English Premiership visitors Wigan Athletic.
Before that comes Tuesday night’s meeting with Forfar at Station Park, a fixture that will see Houston shuffle his pack again.
The manager said, “Barry Douglas will start, with Paul Dixon maybe getting a half.
“Keith Watson will play and I will also go with Jeno Myrie-Williams and Ryan Dow.”
He added, “Morgaro Gomis, Prince Buaben and Scott Robertson will get a bit of the game each, while I might start with Andis Shala and Damian Casalinuovo up front.”Striker Kevin Smith has joined Notts County. The Edinburgh-born forward has penned a one-year deal at Meadow Lane after impressing Magpies boss Craig Short.