By Ian Roache

DUNDEE UNITED captain Lee Wilkie is understood to have decided to pledge his future to the Tangerines.

The central defender’s current contract runs out in the summer and he had asked for time to consider the club’s offer of fresh terms.

Wilkie had been linked with a move to Rangers, while there were also rumours of interest from the English Championship.

However, with on-song United occupying third spot in the SPL and in with a real chance of qualifying for Europe, it is understood the possibility of playing in continental competition next season has been a major factor in the Tannadice club’s favour and an official announcement is imminent.

Wilkie, who has 11 caps for Scotland, has missed a large chunk of his career having sustained three serious knee injuries during his time with city rivals Dundee.

As a result he does not have a cruciate ligament in one of his knees but has proved his fitness by playing over 80 matches for United since joining in 2006.

Manager Craig Levein installed him as skipper following the departure of Barry Robson to Celtic last season and has watched as Wilkie grew into the role to such an extent he is on the verge of a Scotland comeback.

Barring any last-minute hitch, pen should be put to paper before the week is out.