United keen to add extra ‘Watt-age’ but can’t confirm signing

TAM Courts has revealed he is keen to add firepower to the Dundee United attack in January – but can’t yet confirm the arrival of Tony Watt.

United are believed to be close to agreeing a precontract with the on-form Motherwell striker.

And as they seek to sign him on a three-year deal they could pay the money to land Watt next month.

Watt was an unused sub for Well in their 2-1 win over Livingston yesterday.

And while United ended a run of 491 minutes without goal, Courts insists there is no deal done yet with Watt.

But Courts did admit he is keen to strengthen his strikeforce as soon as possible.

When asked directly about Watt, he said: “There is nothing to report on that.

“I’ve been speaking to the club in terms of what we need in reinforcements in January.

“We would like to strengthen up the pitch in terms of creativity and in goalscoring.

“That player is contracted to another club, so it’s difficult to speak about that.

“I would like to think we can bring someone in during January or at the end of the season.

“We have Marc McNulty returning soon, which is a huge boost, and all our injured players should be back in the next 10 days.

“Hopefully we will be back to some healthy competition.

“But I’m not aware of anyone signing a precontract as of yet.”

Meanwhile, Courts has offered an injury update on defender Charlie Mulgrew.

Mulgrew was forced to come off injured late into his side’s 3-1 loss to Hibs.

United had used all their subs at that point so were forced to see out the final 10 minutes a man down.

But Mulgrew could return in the first match after the winter break to face St Mirren on January 18.

“Charlie has had a calf problem but was committed to playing,” added Courts. “He hasn’t trained this week.

“We are obviously missing 14 players, but he showed a commitment to the cause.

“He recognises his own body and had to come off, but doesn’t look like he will be out for too long.”

Tony Watt was on the bench yesterday.