Dundee Utd hope to keep in-demand forward Johnny Russell

Dundee United manager Peter Houston hopes to keep in-demand forward Johnny Russell at Tannadice.

With the Friday transfer deadline approaching, Houston is keen to retain his striker.

"According to the chairman this morning, there have been no official bids," Houston told BBC Scotland.

"That's not to say there won't be an official bid coming between now and the window, but I would like it shut and keep Johnny."

Chairman Stephen Thompson has placed a £2m price tag on the striker, whilst stating there have been "numerous" enquiries for the player.

Russell, who made his United debut in December 2007, started the current Scottish Premier League campaign in impressive fashion, scoring in the 3-0 win against Hibs.

And the 23-year-old scored a double in the derby victory over Dundee at Tannadice.

"Jon Daly and Johnny Russell up front will cause any team in the SPL problems," Houston added.

"We just want some consistency."

Follow Jim Spence on Twitter.