Dog fight developing for Dundee United pair

Gary McAllister has turned his attention back to his native Scotland and Dundee United pair Mark Kerr and Noel Hunt.

Midfield holding player and Scotland B international Mark Kerr, is in particular demand; aged just 26 and out of contract this season. As with Derek Riordan Leeds face competition from Burnley and Preston, Coventry, Leicester City and Doncaster Rovers are also interested in Kerr.

Once again Burnley appear to have the upper hand as current Burnley boss Owen Coyle was in charge of Kerr both as reserve-team manager at Tannadice and at Falkirk. Kerr may stay in Scotland as both Aberdeen and Hearts would like to sign the player, Dundee United would prefer he didn’t go to rivals in the SPL but as Kerr is on a Bosman there is nothing they can do to stop him.

McAllister also faces tough competition for 18 goal striker Noel Hunt with Reading, Burnley, Blackpool and Nottingham Forest in the chase for his signature.

Burnley appear to be linked with every Scot as their manager is Scottish but with the impending departure of striker Kyle Lafferty for big bucks they would easily have the wherewithall to meet the £400,000 asking price for Hunt.

Leeds United too would have the money having offered more for Derek Riordan last week. Although the Anthony Elding situation complicates matters.

Blackpool may struggle as they only bid £175,000 last Janueary and Dundee are in no mood for bargain hunters now they are facing losing two of their best players.

Reading certainly have the money to attract Hunt with their £12m parachute payment from the Premier League and they have the added bonus that Noel’s brother Stephen Hunt plays for them – unless they don’t get on, in which case the connection is a negative!