Dundee United have rejected a bid of over £1.6 million for David Goodwillie, believed to be from Blackpool.
The English Championship club emerged as front runners for the Tannadice striker this week, with Nottingham Forest, Wigan and Rangers in the hunt.
United have also had informal contact from another Premiership club as the race to sign the Scotland international gathers pace.
Chairman Stephen Thompson values his prize asset at £2m and it looks like that is the figure United are holding out for.
It seems certain the 22-year-old will move on during this transfer window and his value is certainly apparent to those who have played against him.
Former St Johnstone defender Michael Duberry has tipped the striker to make a name for himself in England if that’s where he ends up.
Duberry, a former Premiership defender, faced Goodwillie several times during his time with the Perth club over the last two seasons.
The centre-half, who is now with Oxford United, rates him as the best young talent in the country.’Nightmare to play against’Duberry said, “David Goodwillie will score goals wherever he goes because he’s a top class player.
“If he comes down to England I have no doubt he will do very well.
“When people ask me who the best strikers I faced in my 18 months at St Johnstone were, he’s the first one I mention.”
He added, “Kenny Miller is a top player and Goodwillie is right up there alongside him.
“He scored all types of goals. He scores scrappy goals, tap-ins, spectacular ones, ones he makes himself and on top of that he’s strong in the air.
“He just has that natural killer instinct that the top strikers have.”
Duberry said, “He’s a nightmare to play against. His movement is excellent and he bullies defenders.
“He’s not the tallest striker but he’s as strong as an ox and I’m not surprised to hear Premiership clubs are looking at him.
“There really is no limit to what he can achieve.
“It’s not for me to recommend where he goes but what I will say is that he has got what it takes to play at the highest level.”Missing Scottish delicacyDuberry reluctantly left Saints at the end of last season after the weekly commute from London became too much to bear.
The 35-year-old is happier in his home life living back in England but admits he misses Scotland and one of the country’s culinary delicacies in particular.
He said, “I am enjoying life at Oxford, pre-season has gone well and I can’t wait for the league to start.
“Obviously I miss things about being at St Johnstone because I loved my time there but I needed to come home to be with the family.”
He added, “One thing I miss about Scotland is being able to get a roll and square sausage because you can’t get that down here.”
United midfielder Scott Robertson completed another training session on Wednesday to improve his chances of featuring against Hearts on Sunday.