Dundee United have offered Will Ferry an improved contract, but the Republic of Ireland international has yet to decide whether to accept it. The left-back is out of contract in the summer, and the Tannadice club want to extend his stay.
Ferry's options
Manager Jim Goodwin confirmed the improved offer, saying the club is “desperate to hold on to” Ferry. He added that the player has several options: see out his contract and become a free agent, accept the security of a longer-term deal, or be sold before the transfer window closes.
Goodwin said: “We are desperate to hold on to Will Ferry. We’ve made him what, we believe, is a good offer. We have made him an improved offer. It is up to Will and his representatives in terms of what they want to do with that.”
He acknowledged that Ferry may seek a move for financial gain, stating: “I won’t begrudge anybody coming to Dundee United, doing what Will Ferry has done and then going on to have the opportunity to go on and earn some life-changing money. I totally get it.”
Transfer interest
United accepted a £1.7 million offer from Sigma Olomouc earlier in the window, but Ferry turned it down. Anderlecht have held talks but are balking at the asking price, while Celtic are keeping close tabs on the situation.
Goodwin believes Ferry is the best left-back in the country, saying: “Will is the outstanding left-back in the country as far as I am concerned. He has many years in front of him. His numbers are there for everybody to see.”
He added that only one club has made an acceptable offer, referring to Sigma, but there is “lots of interest” in the player.
Injury update
Ferry missed the Premier Sports Cup defeat to Celtic with a groin issue and has been sent for a scan. Goodwin is hopeful he will be fit for Saturday’s derby against Dundee, saying: “I am not expecting the scans to show too much out of the ordinary. There might be a little tightness or a slight strain.”
United have already signed Kevin Ciubotaru as a potential replacement for Ferry.
