Dundee United’s hopes of spending a chunk of a £1 million Andy Robertson windfall before tonight’s transfer deadline could be dashed by a bidding war down south.
The Scotland full-back was expected to switch from Hull City to Burnley last night in a £10 million deal.
That would see the Tangerines net seven figures because of a sell-on clause when he left them for the Tigers in 2014.
And, had business been done early enough, some of that cash would have been given to boss Ray McKinnon to spend today.
Robertson’s move, however, seems to have been delayed because of interest from Liverpool and Sunderland.
Despite signing left-sided utility man Brian Oviedo from Everton last night, there were suggestions of a £10m bid from the Black Cats today.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been linked with the 22-year-old on several occasions over the past year and rumours down south had them considering a late move.
They have been operating with England midfielder James Milner at left-back for most of this season, so Robertson may be seen as a solution to that problem area.
While that could be great news for the player, today it left United in limbo.
They want to spend some of the cash on strengthening their squad but, until they know it is definitely coming, cannot increase manager Ray McKinnon’s budget.
That means any business he now does looks like having to be rushed through at the last minute.
He was still speaking to a number of possible targets today but it was shaping up to be a long night.
Last night, the Development side were in action as they went down 2-1 to St Mirren in Paisley.
United had gone ahead after Louis Appere opened the scoring in the 17th minute but, despite dominating possession, they failed to add to their lead.
Late on, Joss Todd equalised for the Buddies and the same player grabbed the winner with 11 minutes later.
United used the game to give first-team squad members Charlie Telfer and Coll Donaldson 90 minutes.
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