EXCLUSIVE: Ian Harkes set to sign extended Dundee United deal

By Sean Hamilton

June 9 2022, 12:00pm

Ian Harkes will be a Dundee United player next season

Ian Harkes is set to sign an extended contract with Dundee United.

Courier Sport can reveal months-long negotiations between player and club have now proved fruitful – and the midfielder is expected to put pen to paper on a one-year extension by the weekend.

Ian Harkes celebrates with Dundee United fans after notching the winner against Aberdeen in November

Harkes (27) notched four goals in 37 appearances last season as United secured a fourth placed Premiership finish and a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.

The lure of European football with the Tangerines has proved too strong to walk away from – and Harkes will now be part of the first United squad to face continental opposition for 10 years.

Harkes has grown into a key player at Tannadice since arriving in January 2019 from MLS outfit DC United.

The American revealed upon signing that his Dundee-born grandfather was a boyhood United fan, instantly endearing himself to supporters.

In the years since, his growth on the park has ensured his position as a Tannadice fans’ favourite.

His continued presence with United will be a bonus for whoever is in charge of the first team next season, whether Rijeka target Tam Courts or a new face.