John Souttar: No Dundee United offer for teenager to consider

John Souttar has been on the Dundee United bench

John Souttar has entered the final six months of his Dundee United contract without having an extension offer from the club to consider.

But the Scottish Premiership outfit intend to make a new offer to the player to try to keep him at Tannadice.

The versatile 19-year-old was offered a new deal in May.

But, after deliberation, the Scotland youth international turned it down due to uncertainty about Jackie McNamara's future as manager.

Souttar is now free to speak to other clubs but has yet to be contacted by any.

United considered their offer in May, which would have put the player among their highest earners, to have been effectively withdrawn more than a month after Souttar rejected it.

No extension has subsequently been put in front of the teenager, who can play in defence and midfield.

Souttar, who has made 53 appearances for the Tannadice club as well as representing Scotland at under-17, under-19 and under-21 level, started several games after Mixu Paatelainen was appointed as manager in October.

He has been on the bench recently and was also the subject of booing from a section of the United support when he made an appearance as a substitute against Hearts last week.

That followed him being linked with a move to Celtic, who have signed Gary MacKay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Nadir Ciftci from United in the past 12 months.

Paatelainen has urged the player to sign a new contract at Tannadice - where Souttar's younger brother, Harry, has pledged his long-term future - but there is currently no offer on the table.

Even if Souttar decides to move elsewhere, by making a new offer, United will protect their right to development compensation.

The Tannadice club have been approached for comment.