Dundee United goalkeeper set for Tannadice stay as new contract is agreed

Jack Newman is set to extend his stay at Dundee United.

The Tangerines goalkeeper is among a cluster of players who are out of contract this month.

Captain Ryan Edwards, Ian Harkes, Liam Smith and Peter Pawlett have all departed as United rebuild from their dismal relegation to the Championship.

However, Courier Sport understands that Newman has agreed a new two-year deal with the Tannadice outfit and, barring any unforeseen issues, that will be confirmed in the coming days.

Newman, 21, gained his first taste of senior action with the Terrors this season, coming into the side to replace the blundering Mark Birighitti in their 4-0 defeat against Ross County in February.

The Australian was restored to the starting line-up following the appointment of Jim Goodwin.

However, it was déjà vu all over again when Newman replaced Birighitti for United’s final two games of the campaign, against Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

Potential

Explaining Newman’s selection for the encounter with Killie, Goodwin told BBC Sportsound: “Jack has been waiting patiently in the wings. He is a very good goalkeeper and has great potential.”

Despite shipping 10 goals in his three outings between the sticks, Newman has acquitted himself relatively well, particularly in comparison to the travails endured by Birighitti and Carljohan Eriksson.

Prior to working his way into the United picture, Newman enjoyed a loan spell with Peterhead. He made eight appearances for the Blue Toon during the first half of the season before being recalled by the Tangerines.

Scotland nod

And Newman’s progress has earned him a call-up to the most recent Scotland under-21 squad.

He will battle it out with Rangers youngster Jay Hogarth and Manchester City prospect Cieran Slicker for the gloves when Scott Gemmill’s kids play a friendly double-header against Norway this month.