Dundee United: Stephen Thompson eyes Australian link-up

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has been in Australia to help find the club's next group of star players.

Thompson was a guest of Adelaide United chairman Greg Griffin as his side beat Central Coast Mariners 3-2 this week.

The Tannadice chief is "constructing relationships" that could lead to young Australians using United as a launch pad to a career in Europe.

On the trip, Thompson also met with A-League sides Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

The United chairman, who was also in the Middle East recently, will this weekend have a meeting with Perth Glory owner Tony Sage before heading back to Scotland.

Australian agent Lou Sticca has told media in his country that Scotland is the perfect place for players from down under to make their name.

"We have seen a lot of Australian players have achievement after moving from Australia to Scotland,'' Sticca said.

"Craig Moore, Mark Viduka, Tony Vidmar, Ryan and Dylan McGowan, Tom Rogic, and Scott McDonald come to mind.

"It's a good place to be for a footballer, the language is no barrier, the culture is very good and this makes the transition for an Australian player much easier."