Jackie McNamara has expressed his preference to let Gary Mackay-Steven run out the final year of his deal at Tannadice rather than sell him for “a little bit of cash”.
The Dundee United manager is frustrated that such a talented member of his squad can walk away for nothing next summer when his contract expires but he is willing to accept the reality of the situation.
Significantly, McNamara referred to the fact that Mackay-Steven has looked on as the likes of Ryan Gauld, several years his junior, has moved away to further his career.
The United gaffer is not unsympathetic towards a Scottish international looking for a fresh challenge. Also, the Tangerines could still be tempted to move Mackay-Steven on if the right offer comes in for the player.
If it doesn’t arrive, though, McNamara will be glad to have him available for the forthcoming Premiership campaign.
“I want to keep him,” said McNamara.
“The disappointing thing for me is that next year GMS can walk away for nothing but I have to look beyond that.
“At the moment I would rather have him in the squad for next season than lose him for the sake of a little bit of cash. There is no point in doing that.
“We have been speaking to his agent quite a bit but we have to be realistic given his age. It would be hard to get him to sign a new deal, really.
“Gaz has been here a few years now and has seen others move away from underneath him. He is 24 years of age and he maybe feels for his development he needs to look elsewhere for the next stage of his career.
“However, he is our player as things stand and I will be looking to keep him as long as I can.”
Mackay-Steven’s attitude has been excellent since returning from the summer break, according to the manager, and McNamara doesn’t expect the contract situation to affect his performances.
The winger has been worked hard at the club’s Johnstown House training base in County Meath in the Republic of Ireland this week along with the rest of the squad and played part of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Athlone Town.
Next up for the Tangerines is a game in Dublin against Bohemians on Saturday. There is a doubt over defender Keith Watson, who sat out the Athlone match.
He trained onb Thursday but his calf injury is still causing him problems.
“Keith joined in the training but he was still feeling his calf a little bit at the end of the session there,” said McNamara.
“We will wait and speak to the physio before deciding whether or not to play him on Saturday. It does, though, look like he could be struggling.
“John Souttar has recovered OK from the knock he took against Athlone and should be OK for the Bohemians game.
“Overall, things are going well and I think we are getting there as regards fitness levels. We will be slowly building it up over the next few weeks.
“We do have a lot of games in quite a short space of time so we’ll see how we are at the end of it.”
Meanwhile, the United boss stated there have been no new developments regarding Andy Robertson.
Hull City are believed to still be keen on the Scotland man but United have heard nothing fresh from them or anyone else.