Celtic have contacted Dundee United to firm up their interest in midfielder Scott Allan.
Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell is understood to have telephoned Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson to discuss the possibility of signing the Scotland under-21 international, who is free to talk to clubs next month.
The state of play regarding Allan now is that English Premiership side West Bromwich Albion have had a compensatory bid in the region of £400,000 accepted by the Tangerines; Rangers have written to United to say they are keen; and now the other side of the Old Firm have been in touch.
Should either Rangers, who are seen as the current favourites to get the player, or Celtic persuade Allan to join them then it is likely the matter would be taken to a transfer tribunal.
Meanwhile, Dundee’s two senior clubs have moved to persuade fans to take a break from the festivities in order to cheer on their teams.
Every penny is usually a prisoner at this time of year anyway but there is even greater pressure on finances due to the economic slowdown.
United have, therefore, reduced admission prices to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions in all parts of the ground for their SPL clash with Hibs on Christmas Eve (1.30 kick-off) in a bid to tempt spectators to shun the shops in favour of Tannadice.
Dundee are doing their bit to ease the pressure on the pocket, too, with under-16s able to see their First Division clash with Morton at Dens Park on Boxing Day for free, while adults will pay only £10.