No financial pressure to sell free-scoring striker

Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson insists the club are under no pressure to sell star man Lawrence Shankland.

The Tannadice gaffer has admitted that Shankland’s Scotland call-up won’t make it any easier to hang on to him long term.

However, Neilson is relaxed about all the interest being shown in his player because the financial backing of owner Mark Ogren means there is no need to consider any offer until it suits them.

That will be, they hope, well after the frontman has fired the Tangerines into the Premiership.

The United manager said: “There is not any pressure on us to sell Lawrence.

“He has signed a threeyear contract, which is great for us.

“I have spoken to Lawrence and to get where he wants to get to then he also needs to do it in the top-flight as well.

“He is proven in the Championship but it is a big step to go up and do it again in the top-flight but we hope we can give him the platform to prove himself there.

“The most important thing for us is Dundee United and trying to get promoted but getting that wee bonus of his going away with Scotland will be beneficial to us.”

While Neilson is confident of keeping “Shanks” for a while yet, he knows nothing lasts forever and bids will be Tannadice-bound in future.

He said: “Tony Asghar, our sporting director, deals with the owners more than me but they are here to develop the football club and also to make money.

“There is no denying that and they have said that from the start.

“Whether that comes from the academy, buying players and developing them and selling them on then we know that is going to be the way forward and the way Scottish football clubs make money.

“We need to keep developing players like Lawrence and enjoy them as long as they are here. After that, what will be will be.”

Robbie Neilson