Nisbet off Tangerines’ radar after Neilson exit

The change of manager was the reason Dundee United backed out of the race for Kevin Nisbet rather than the escalating cost, Courier Sport can reveal.

There was late Thursday night drama before the transfer of Dunfermline’s star striker to Hibs was sealed – but it didn’t involve the Tangerines this time.

United were the first club to bid for Nisbet this summer, a sixfigure offer that was rejected by the Pars.

Had Robbie Neilson still been their manager, sporting director Tony Asghar would have been happy togo back to the negotiating table but his departure to Hearts changed their plans.

The fact that the Tynecastle outfit tried to change Nisbet’s mind at the 11th hour, as revealed by Courier Sport online, and put the carrot of substantially larger wages under his nose after meeting the £250,000 price tag underlines that point.

The former Raith Rovers man was a Neilson target but new Tannadice boss Micky Mellon has a different vision.

Going forward, United’s recruitment strategy will tie in with that.

There was a signing yesterday – 18-year-old former Sunderland goalkeeper Jack Newman (see left).