Dundee United gaffer thought he’d agreed a deal to keep Simon Murray before Hibs move

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has expressed his disappointment at losing striker Simon Murray to Hibs.

However, he’s wishing the 25-year-old well in his time at Easter Road.

Ray revealed the Tangerines thought they had reached agreement with Murray to keep him at Tannadice for at least another couple of years but that a late offer from Hibs had “turned his head”.

“We were speaking to Simon and we’d made him what we felt was a very good offer — one he was happy with,” said Ray.

“We reached a verbal agreement with him but he’s signed for Hibs and that’s football.

“I’d have liked to have kept him because he did well for us. He’s a great lad as well and I genuinely hope he’s a big success at Hibs.”

Announcing Murray’s capture on a two-year deal, Easter Road boss Neil Lennon expressed his delight at adding him to his squad.

“Simon is a great player, one who enjoyed a personally solid season with Dundee United, and it is pleasing to bring someone of his calibre to the club,” he said.

“He’s strong, he’s quick with a good turn of pace, plus he knows how to find the back of the net.

“He has fantastic attributes and a real hunger to continue to improve as well — I’m delighted to have secured his services for next season.

“With the players who have renewed and Danny Swanson coming in as well, I believe we are moving in the right direction with our recruitment, and that process is still ongoing to ensure we have as strong a squad as possible for the club’s return to the top flight.”

Back at United, Ray has offered a new deal to midfielder-cum-full-back Stewart Murdoch and is in the process of meeting with other out-of-contract men to discuss their futures.

They include Sean Dillon, Blair Spittal, Willo Flood and Charlie Telfer.

Frank van der Struijk, Luis Zwick and Wato Kuate have already left United, while Tony Andreu, Alex Nicholls and Thomas Mikkelsen are back at their parent clubs after their loan periods.