Dundee United sporting director Tony Asghar has revealed that the club have made an offer to striker Lawrence Shankland, who is attracting attention from a number of Football League sides.

Shankland has scored 63 goals in 74 appearances in all competitions during two season with Ayr United, but will be available on a free transfer this summer after rejecting the offer a new contract at the club.

It was reported last month by The Scottish Sun that Championship trio Nottingham Forest, Hull and Swansea, along with League One Sunderland, are all interested in a move for the 23-year-old, who is also thought to be attracting interest from Holland and Belgium.

Now however it appears that an unlikely potential suitor has emerged for Shankland, after Asghar told the Scottish Sun: “We are in talks with Shankland’s representatives and we have made an offer to come to Dundee United.

“We see Lawrence as a top player and we want him to be part of our Championship challenge and beyond."

Asghar did acknowledge that it may be difficult for The Terrors, as he added: “We know Lawrence is very much a player in demand and has a lot of offers elsewhere and we are hopeful things will come to a conclusion, either way, very quickly.”

Dundee United finished just places ahead of Shankland's Ayr side last season, with both clubs missing out on a place in the Scottish Premier League following defeats in the promotion/relegation play-offs.

The Verdict

Fair play to Dundee United here.

Given the size of the clubs interested in Shankland, it seems highly unlikely that the striker will decide to remain in the Scottish Championship with the club, but you can't blame them for trying.

Shankland's record with Ayr means that he would surely give the Tannadice side a huge boost in their own push for promotion, so they may as well try and force the door open while it is still slightly ajar.

Given the amount of interest there supposedly is in Shankland, it will be interesting to see if this news spurs any of the other clubs interested in the striker into action in order to avoid missing out on the chance of signing the promising 23-year-old.