Top European clubs are leading the chase for Dundee United’s young star Ryan Gauld, Courier Sport can reveal.
The teenager signed a new long-term contract a few weeks ago with the Tannadice club, but we understand that one Italian side has recently lodged an interest with United, while two leading Bundesliga outfits are also expected to test chairman Stephen Thompson’s resolve with a January transfer window bid.
One of them is a Champions League club. The transfer speculation so far has linked the player, nicknamed Mini Messi by his team-mates, with a move to England.
The scouts of Everton and Liverpool have been regular observers of Gauld and offers are still anticipated for Scottish football’s most exciting young talent.
But scintillating performances like his last two against Motherwell and Partick Thistle have now made Gauld the talk of Europe among the scouting and agent network.
The fee that United could expect to bring in for the Scotland under-21 international is around £3 million, plus add-ons, possibly even more should there be a bidding war.
United, and their chairman, are used to transfer windows with their young talent being sought. David Goodwillie was sold for £2m to Blackburn Rovers, while Johnny Russell commanded £750,000 from Derby County.
There have also been reported offers, which were turned down, for winger Gary Mackay-Steven.