Dundee United saw one potential summer bonus go up in smoke on Tuesday night.
But they could still be on course for another.
Derby County’s narrow failure to come back from a three-goal first-leg deficit saw them knocked out of Championship play-offs at Hull.
That sees the £500,000 promotion clause in the contract for Johnny Russell’s transfer to the Rams back in 2013 remain meaningless.
But the Tigers’ progression to the play-off final on Saturday week, where they face Sheffield Wednesday, could increase the chances of a welcome windfall in the next month or so.
Despite scoring an own goal in the 2-0 defeat, full-back Andy Robertson’s late strike in the first leg ultimately decided the tie.
And his performances this season have seen a host of Premier League clubs keep tabs on him.
In the past month or so Manchester United have been linked and Arsenal have been long-time watchers.
Even if Hull get back to the top division next week, bids are expected.
United would be due a cut of any fee and a player, who only spent a year at Tannadice before netting them close on £3 million when he went south two years ago, could earn them more cash.
The exact amount would be dependent on how much Hull rake in but, if one of the big guns pays eight figures, United could net over £1 million.
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