Terrors target O’Donnell says options have ‘dropped back’

DUNDEE United target Stephen O’Donnell has revealed some of his signing options are on hold because of the financial uncertainty in British football.

The Scotland international left Kilmarnock last month after rejecting fresh terms at Rugby Park.

The Tangerines have been linked with a move for the full-back, who is still a target for Oxford six months after rejecting the chance to join the English League One side.

With Scottish Premiership clubs allowed to resume training from Thursday, the free agent delivered an honest assessment of his situation.

O’Donnell, 28, told the BBC: “There were a few options before and I was just sitting tight.

“Now they are, not so much off the table but have maybe just dropped back a wee bit because budgets are getting reassessed.

“Hopefully I will have options but time will tell.

“There is no point getting hung up on it, there are far more important things going on in the world and I am fortunate I have a good family around me.”

Meanwhile, Dunfermline striker Kevin Nisbet remains on United’s transfer radar.

The Championship title winners made a bigmoney deadline day bid for the 23-year-old – tipped to eventually replace Lawrence Shankland – in January.

Hibs were the first club to show their hand in the race for Nisbet, submitting a £350,000 offer plus £150,000 worth of add-ons for him.

It’s understood United went even higher to try to tempt the Pars into doing business.

But, at that stage, Dunfermline – who finished sixth after the season was halted in the wake of the controversial SPFL vote – still had the promotion play-offs in their sights and were unwilling to sell their star man.

Tannadice boss Robbie Neilson this week confirmed the club’s interest in Finnish U/21 winger Ilmari Niskanen.

Stephen O’Donnell (right) is a target for Dundee United.