Hull City are set to break the £2 million barrier as they step up their pursuit of Dundee United defender Andy Robertson, Courier Sport can reveal.
The Tigers had a verbal offer of £1.75 million plus add-ons knocked back on Wednesday but that hasn’t put them off.
They have been big spenders so far this summer and see the first bid as a starting point in negotiations rather than a “take it or leave it” one.
West Ham have clinched a deal for Ipswich left-back Aaron Cresswell, so that should take them out of the running.
It could revive West Brom’s interest in Robertson though, as they too had been keen on Cresswell.
Everton and Southampton are still possible bidders but Hull now look strong favourites and a deal could be closed in the next few days.
With over a month to go before the transfer window closes, the chances of the Scottish international still being a United player at the start of the season are growing slimmer by the day.
It won’t be the news manager Jackie McNamara wants to hear.
McNamara admitted earlier in the week that from a selfish point of view he wouldn’t have been upset to see Ryan Gauld remaining at Tannadice. And the same now applies to Robertson.
He said: “I hope nobody comes in with big money for Andy. There are a few bids in now and they’re going up and up. I just hope it levels out and stops now.
“It happens every window we’re asked questions about keeping him. He’s been told about the clubs who are in for him but he’s happy here.
“So unless a bid comes in that is very special and ends up out of our control then we’re not looking to sell him.
“Ryan’s situation was different. The speculation won’t stop, that’s the nature of it and we’re going to have to fight to keep them.
“That’s the nature of it and there’s only so much you can do as a club.
“But right now we’re not wanting any bids and we’re not looking to sell anyone.”
The fact that a young man who hadn’t even played in the Scottish Premiership this time last year is now being coveted by several English top-flight clubs is a feather in the United cap as far as McNamara is concerned.
“Nobody knew about him when he came here. Now, a year later, we’re talking about him for a lot of money,” he pointed out.
“It’s a good problem to have it shows the club is doing something right.
“But selfishly, as a manager, I want them all here as long as possible. But there becomes a time when it’s a problem to keep them.”