Dundee United boss Peter Houston has launched a scathing attack on Scott Allan and his advisers after the promising teenager rejected the offer of a new deal at Tannadice.
Houston revealed that the player’s agent John Viola had demanded that his client be awarded terms equal to the third-highest wage at the club despite the fact that Allan has featured in just two and a half first-team games.
The 19-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, was pitched into the United first team at the last minute against Hearts in July.
Allan produced a star performance on his debut and was similarly impressive a week later against Dunfermline.
The Scotland Under-21 player started against Celtic on August 13 but has not featured since then and he has been linked with a host of clubs including Rangers, Celtic, Manchester United and Newcastle.
However, Houston believes that Allan, who broke a leg and was struck down by glandular fever last season, is not receiving the correct advice from his representatives.
United should receive compensation in the region of £450,000 if he signs for a new club in the summer after overseeing the player’s development.RansomBut Houston is angered that such a young pro is attempting to hold the club to ransom. He said: “Scott has rejected our offer and I’m very disappointed. He was offered the best deal this club has ever given to a teenager but he has decided he doesn’t want it.
“When it comes down to a 19-year-old demanding to become the third-highest-paid player at the club after two and a half games then I wouldn’t pay him it even if I could afford it.
“That’s the sum his agent asked for at first. He wanted wages in line with guys who have been playing at this level for years and I think he’s being wrongly advised.
“That tells me where the priorities lie and I can’t be bothered with people who are only motivated by money. He was made a very good offer but it’s still not good enough for him.
“We won’t give Scott any more money than we’ve offered because he’s still to prove himself. He is a very talented player but can he do the work off the ball? He’s had two good games, that’s it. He might get a big club but will he play?
“For me, he should be looking to play 50 to 100 games here and then look to move on to a bigger club. But he and his advisers want to do it their way, so whatever happens will be up to them.”
Tannadice has been the ideal proving ground in the past for players such as David Goodwillie, Prince Buaben, Morgaro Gomis and Craig Conway.AttitudeThe next generation of up-and-coming youngsters includes Johnny Russell, Stuart Armstrong and midweek cup star Ryan Dow, and Houston believes their attitude should act as an example to Allan.
He added: “Look at the players who have accepted deals at Scotty’s age David Goodwillie, Johnny Russell, Keith Watson, Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Dow and these guys have all become first-team players at this club.
“But Scott has decided he doesn’t want to be at Dundee United. The one thing is we will be due a lot of money for the role we have played in his development.
“I find it hard to take because we have looked after Scott during his time in jail, his glandular fever and his broken leg. Dundee United looked after him and it has been money out all the time.
“But if he wants to wait until the end of the season, then we will take the compensation we’re due. He won’t be going anywhere before that.
“If I need him, he’ll play but I want players who want to play for Dundee United. I can understand experienced lads wanting to keep their options open Craig Conway, Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomus all did it last season.
“But they had proved themselves and had played 100 games or more at this level. I find it hard to stomach from a boy who has played two and a half games.
“If money is his goal and he will be happy playing reserve football for a big club then that disappoints me.”
Meanwhile, Scott Robertson should be available for Saturday’s trip to Hibs after recovering from a calf injury.