Dundee United last night accepted Derby County’s latest offer for prize asset Johnny Russell.
The striker has been the subject of intense transfer speculation for months with United chairman Stephen Thompson batting back two earlier bids from Derby both under £700,000 as well as another from Italian Serie A side Catania.
Now, though, it will be third time lucky for Rams boss Nigel Clough with the clubs agreeing a fee believed to be in the region of £750,000, although the player himself will have the final say on whether he is going to Derby.
The loss of Russell will be a big blow to Tannadice boss Jackie McNamara after striker Jon Daly’s move to Rangers.
However, the manager revealed that he has made an audacious attempt to plug the goals gap left by Russell’s imminent departure by trying to lure former Scottish Cup hero David Goodwillie back to the club on loan from Blackburn Rovers.
McNamara said: “Derby are close to reaching our valuation and we have accepted it. It is now down to Johnny and his agent whether it happens or not and they can come to a deal.”
The United boss also admits that he would prefer the long-running transfer saga to come to a conclusion sooner rather than later as he looks to rebuild his squad.
For Neil Robertson’s full report, see Tuesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.