Dundee United manager Peter Houston has confirmed he is interested in bringing Michael Gardyne to Tannadice as Scott Allan’s move to West Bromwich Albion is finally confirmed.
Ross County midfielder Gardyne is out of contract at Victoria Park at the end of the season so would be able to join the Tangerines for free.
They have contacted the Staggies to note their interest in the 25-year-old Dundonian and Houston is keen to recruit him with a view to being part of his plans for next season.
United have space to fill in their midfield ranks after Allan rejected the Old Firm to sign a two-and-a-half-year deal at The Hawthorns. The transfer fee has not been disclosed, but is believed to be around £300,000.
Allan says the chance to play in “the best league in the world” was behind his decision to spurn interest from Celtic and Rangers.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It is a massive step up in class. I’ve turned down the chance to play for Celtic and Rangers to play in the best league in the world. It’s the best platform to showcase what I can do.”
Allan added: “Albion showed from the start how much they wanted me that made my choice easier.”
Gardyne started his career with Celtic but failed to make the breakthrough at Parkhead so signed for County in 2008. He was an integral part of the side which won through to the Scottish Cup final two years later, losing to United at Hampden.
Houston has tracked his progress since and is sure Gardyne would fit well into the Tannadice set-up.
”I have spoken to Michael,” said Houston. ”He is a player I have liked for a while and we contacted Ross County to say that we want to speak to him. I have had talks with him and it is one I would like to get done.
”He has played against us a few times and I have always liked what I have seen from him. His form when County got to the Scottish Cup final was excellent.
”He is a boy who can play SPL football but (Division One leaders) Ross County might be able to give him that as well so he might choose to stay there. But it is something I would like to do so we will wait and see.”
The Tangerines will welcome Gavin Gunning back into their squad for the trip to Celtic on Saturday after the former Blackburn man missed the 6-2 Scottish Cup win over Airdrie at the weekend.
Houston also revealed that midfielder Danny Swanson and defender Keith Watson are both making progress and could be back in a matter of weeks.
”Gavin trained today so he should be OK,” said the United boss. ”Keith is training with the physio, is running again and could be back in the next few weeks.
”The same goes for Danny. He has been training with us and is getting his fitness levels up. His time down at Lilleshall helped him and he has come back a lot better.
”We will see about getting a bounce game for him in the next couple of weeks and then get him back into the squad.”