Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Burton lead chase for ‘gifted’ Fraser
PLAYMAKER Scott Fraser looks set for a switch to England after announcing he’s quitting Dundee United.
Burton Albion, looking to rebuild after relegation from the Championship down south, now seem the 23-year-old’s most likely destination.
The Tangerines announced last night that Fraser had rejected their offer of a lucrative new deal and would be pursuing other options.
He’s been speaking to a number of clubs in England and there has even been interest from abroad.
For the past month or so Hearts have appeared to be leading the race for Fraser and their first-team coach, ex-Tannadice favourite Jon Daly, has watched him on several occasions.
Burton, managed by Nigel Clough, have now jumped to the front of the queue.
They’re expected to beat off that interest from Tynecastle as well as offers from English rivals Peterborough and Blackpool, to get Fraser fixed up.
Accepting the player’s decision to go, manager Csaba Laszlo stressed United had fought hard to hang on to him.
“We did everything we could to keep Scott at the club,” he said.
“He is a gifted player and we made him a very good offer to stay with us.
“He is a great example to young players of the pathway that is open to them in professional football and I have no doubt he will do very well in the future.
“We know that good players will attract attention and, for this reason, we are already at an advanced stage in replacing Scott and a number of the other players that left at the end of the season.”
Fraser himself made it clear after over a decade at Tannadice he felt the time to move to pastures new had come.
His big regret is the broken foot that’s plagued him since early last year prevented him doing more to help in the battle to get back to the Premiership.
He first broke it at St Mirren in March 2017 and did it again at the same venue when United lost there at the end of December.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the club for everything they have done for me over the past 12 years.
“When I joined the academy back in 2006 I could only dream of making over 100 appearances.
“Unfortunately, my last season was the most frustrating I have ever had with the injury and I am gutted we couldn’t achieve promotion.
“Thanks to all my team-mates, coaches and managers over the years.
“I now feel the time is right for me to move on in order to improve as a player by playing at the highest level I possibly can.
“Thanks again and good luck for next season.”
Meanwhile, Graeme Liveston, who for many years was in charge of United’s youth recruitment in the west coast, could be set for a return to Tannadice as part of t he shake-up to the youth set-up that’s taking place this summer.