Trialist’s agent in Utd blast overdeal

EXCLUSIVE

DUNDEE UNITED’S new head of football operations Darren Taylor was last night branded an amateur – accused of reneging on a deal for former Porto star Ivanildo Cassama.

The player’s agent Pedro Lopes hit out at United for going back on their word to offer the 31-year-old winger a contract at Tannadice.

Cassama spent a week on trial in February and played in the Under-20s’ 2-1 defeat to Rangers at Forthbank with boss Ray McKinnon and youth coach Dave Bowman praising the Guinea-Bissau international.

But there were question marks over his fitness and the player was told to shape up to clinch a deal.

Cassama was due to return to United this week but agent Lopes pointed the finger at Taylor, claiming he moved the goalposts at the last minute.

The deal was then called off after a bust-up and Lopes contacted Record Sport.

He said: “We had Ivanildo attend a trial several weeks ago and Dundee United were happy with him but they wanted him to lose a bit of weight.

“He was sent some weight targets, which he met. We agreed the terms and a date to return.

“But unfortunately we had a dispute with the club’s head of football operations who wished to adjust the terms at the 11th hour.

“The club’s lack of professionalism was disappointing as the player was eager to sign but ultimately we move on.”

United boss McKinnon has known Taylor since their days at junior side Lochee United and hailed his appointment last month.

Last night a Tannadice spokesman said: “The player was on trial but his fitness didn’t meet the standards required at Dundee United.”