Dundee United boss Peter Houston is intending to do some prospecting for new ”diamonds” as he looks to rebuild for next season.
The Tannadice boss unearthed a gem in Gary Mackay-Steven last summer from Airdrie. The winger’s performances have attracted rave reviews and a nomination as the PFA Young Player of the Year.
United secured European football with their win over champions Celtic on Sunday and Houston has to prepare for the campaign knowing that Paul Dixon, Garry Kenneth and Dusan Pernis are set to leave the club under freedom of contract.
The United boss has already moved to bolster his ranks by snapping up highly-rated Polish keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak on a pre-contract agreement along with Ross County midfield playmaker Michael Gardyne.
However, he insists that with budget constraints he will have to find other youngsters like Mackay-Steven.
Houston said: ”I wish the lads who are set to leave all the best as I certainly don’t grudge any player going to earn three or four times what they are on here.
”However, it looks like we will have to rebuild again and our budget is going to be a bit lower as well but that’s football.
”We just have to find new diamonds, so to speak. Mackay-Steven has been one for us but it’s not every day that I’m going to be able to pull another rabbit out of the hat like him.
”But we will keep working away and we have two signed already for next season. Probably the maximum I will get is another two.”