Dundee United have announced that midfielder Ryan Gauld has agreed a contract extension through to May 2017.
The youth academy product made his debut as a 16-year-old and has played 30 times for United, scoring seven goals.
He turned 18 today, which has allowed United to tie him to the club for a longer period of time than was allowed while he was still a 17-year-old.
He signed a contract just six weeks ago through to May 2016, but that was the maximum length of time under SFA rules to protect players under 18.
Manager Jackie McNamara said: “Ryan is showing his commitment to the club by signing this contract. We are trying to build something special here and securing Ryan on a longer deal signals our desire to achieve this.
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“He is a fantastic talent who appreciates that Dundee United is the best place for him to develop at this time.
“Dundee United fans will quite rightly be delighted at this news and how the club is moving forward just now.”
Nicknamed Mini Messi by his team-mates, Gauld has been scouted by all the top clubs in England and several in Europe.
It is expected that Stephen Thompson’s resolve to not sell his prize asset will be tested next month, when offers for the Scotland under-21 player are likely.
By extending Gauld’s contract though, the United chairman has upped the amount of money chasing clubs would have to pay for him.
His value is thought to be between £3 million and £5 million.
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