Dundee United assistant boss Simon Donnelly insists two of the club’s hottest properties will not be distracted by speculation over their futures.
Last week it was reported that Real Madrid were admirers of Ryan Gauld, while in the last few days Sunderland have made a more concrete attempt to lure centre-half John Souttar to Wearside.
Donnelly said United have still to decide whether the Black Cats’ bid, the second they have tabled, is acceptable.
He said: “There has been another offer to the club and it is under consideration. That’s as far as we are prepared to talk about it at the moment.”
When asked if the continuing speculation about United players outwith the transfer window was an irritation, Donnelly admitted: “Aye, but it is also a good reflection on our club.
“There was speculation last week about Gauldy as well with the Madrid stuff. But what I would say from our point of view is that the boys will not be affected by it.
“They are two hot prospects for Scotland and ourselves and they will be neither up nor down they haven’t been affected at all.
“They continue to be available for selection and put in decent performances for us.
“The two of them are level-headed, which has been evident to us since we came to the club. It will not affect them they just want to play football.
“They can handle the pressure. The two of them went to play Celtic in the semi-final at Hampden. To produce the performances that they did shows they can deal with it.”
If Souttar does depart for Sunderland, there is a chance former United favourite Morgaro Gomis, who has been back training with the Tangerines after leaving Birmingham in the summer, could return to Tannadice permanently.
Donnelly said: “Morgaro has been training with us and he has looked really fit. He played in a game with us last week. There is interest there, but there is no more to be said about it at the moment.”