The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Who could be moving away from Tannadice?
We look at the United players whose contracts are up in the summer
As Scottish clubs come to terms with the coronavirus crisis, Dundee United are ahead of the game when it comes to contracts.
The Tangerines moved more quickly than most teams to tie up their players on extended deals.
That work will be rewarded by the lack of a scramble to secure their squad on terms while the season stoppage caused by the pandemic rumbles on.
Significantly, United boss Robbie Neilson signed an extension himself last October that will keep him at Tannadice until the summer of 2022 at least. His coaches Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch did the same.
The vast majority of the first-team squad are secured until 2021 or beyond, leaving just a handful of players without that peace of mind.
We look at those whose immediate futures have yet to be decided and ponder whether or not they will be staying at United.
PAUL WATSON: Deal ends June 1 2020
The central defender was signed by then manager Csaba Laszlo in the summer of 2018.
He made 29 appearances last season and has played 23 times this term, chipping in with five goals over the two campaigns. Watson has proved himself to be a reliable performer at the back for
United, particularly as Neilson’s men went on their long winning run. He has been man of the match on more than one occasion.
However, you imagine they would have offered him a new deal before now if they wanted to hang on to him.
United are also understood to be looking elsewhere for centre-backs and have been linked with Kilmarnock’s Scotland international Stuart Findlay.
Prediction: Watson will be playing elsewhere when next season finally gets under way but will leave with his head held high.
RAKISH BINGHAM: Deal ends June 1 2020
The former Hamilton wide man has played only five times for United since signing in the January transfer window after leaving Doncaster Rovers.
However, he has shown promise and has fitted in well with the rest of the squad. The Londoner started the club’s last match against Partick Thistle and looked set to play a key role in United’s hoped-for title victory.
Prediction: Bingham appears to be in favour and will be offered a new deal, probably for one year.
OSMAN SOW: Deal ends June 1 2020
The Swedish-born striker agreed an 18-month contract when he joined the Tangerines in January 2019.
He has endured a troubled, injuryravaged time at Tannadice and is currently recovering from an ankle problem.
Sow has made a mere 16 appearances and scored just the one goal – against Inverness Caley Thistle last May.
Prediction: United have stood by Sow during his injury hell but he won’t have a long-term future at the club.
KIERAN FREEMAN: Deal ends June 1 2020
Right-back Freeman is in his second spell at United after leaving them to join Southampton before returning last January.
He hasn’t played yet but, as he just turns 21 on March 30, can be considered one for the future.
Prediction: Will be offered fresh terms but maybe only for a year.
JOSH DONALDSON: Deal ends May 31 2020
The young goalkeeper has been on loan at Lowland League side Civil
Service Strollers and is due to stay there until the end of his current contract.
Prediction: The 19-year-old is well thought of at Tannadice and head of player pathway at the club, Brian Grant, definitely feels he has a bright future. Will be staying.
JAKE DAVIDSON: Deal ends May 31 2020
The young defender has been on loan at Queen’s Park and was expected to stay until the end of the season.
He was also on loan at Spartans for the first part of this campaign, playing in every match for the Lowland League team.
Prediction: Likely to be offered a new contract by United.