Dundee United aim to tie up key trio on extended contracts

Dundee United are hopeful of persuading midfielders Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and defender Gavin Gunning to extend their contracts.

Manager Jackie McNamara has high hopes of persuading Mackay-Steven and Armstrong to stay beyond their current deals, which end in summer 2015.

Gunning is only tied to the Tannadice outfit until next summer and United have spoken to his representatives.

"They're not prepared to sign anything at the moment," said McNamara.

Mackay-Steven and Armstrong were in the last Scotland squad

"So, we'll respect that and hopefully we can open that up again later on.

"I'm hopeful we'll sit down and try to convince them that it's the best place for them for the next year or two."

The 22-year-old Gunning joined United in 2011 after leaving Blackburn Rovers after loan spells with Tranmere Rovers, Rotherham United, Bury and Motherwell.

Mackay-Steven, who arrived at Tannadice after spells with Ross County, Liverpool and Airdrie United, recently won his first Scotland cap.

The 23-year-old was joined in Gordon Strachan's squad by Armstrong, a 21-year-old product of United's youth system, who has been captain of the national under-21s.

United have already extended the contracts of teenagers Ryan Gauld and John Souttar until May 2016 after the 17-year-olds broke into the Premiership club's first team.

"We're trying to get round them all to be honest," added McNamara.

"It's important for me that we try to keep this squad together.

"I believe we've got a good squad at the moment. I'm in the process of speaking to a few that I'd like to get tied up."