Keeper Bell can go but only for a fee

DUNDEE United are set to let club captain Cammy Bell leave — but only if a transfer fee is involved.

Today saw more speculation linking the goalkeeper with a move back to first club Kilmarnock.

But reports he would be signing up at Rugby Park on a free transfer are wide of the mark.

The Tele understands the 30-yearold, widely regarded as the Tangerines best player last season, wants to leave for personal reasons.

And a move to Killie, closer to his family home in the south of Scotland, would be ideal.

While United are understanding of that, with a year of his contract still to run they would want to be compensated for his loss, though they would only be seeking a nominal amount.

Bell himself appreciates that. So, while Killie’s interest is concrete, unless they come up with some cash, the former Rangers man will not be heading there.

And if a deal cannot be struck with them the solution could be to make him available for transfer.

With Harry Lewis and Deniz Mehmet signing up for the summer and Southampton loanee Lewis impressing in his three games so far, United are well covered should there be a parting of the ways with Bell.

United, meanwhile, have been handed a fitness boost by the return to full training of Stewart Murdoch.

The 27-year-old missed the end of last season because of a groin problem suffered against Falkirk in the promotion play-offs.

And he was hit by an injury in the same area early in the pre-season build up.

Last week he resumed running and he’s now back training normally with the rest of the first team squad.

Having been out for several weeks, both this weekend’s Championship opener at Inverness Caley Thistle and the Betfred Cup derby clash with Dundee tomorrow week will almost certainly come too soon for Murdoch.

But he could be in with a chance of making the squad for the visit of Queen of the South in the league just after that tie.

Another recent injury victim, midfielder Willo Flood, could be in line for a starting place in the Highlands on Saturday. The Irishman came on for the last 15 minutes or so of the derby and will be monitored in training this week.

“Willo needs game time, so it was good to get him on for a while on Sunday. He’s an important player for us ,” said boss Ray McKinnon.

Cammy Bell was a stand-out performer for Dundee United last season but looks likely to be heading out of the club with Kilmarnock interested.