New Dundee United head coach Tam Courts has confirmed he is chasing the signature of Saints midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes.
The Buddies have made no secret of their desire to keep the talented 22-year-old in Paisley, with the former Aston Villa youth prospect having impressed since joining the club last November.
St Mirren offered Doyle-Hayes a new deal months ago, but the player's agent was looking to keep his options open until he becomes a free agent this summer.
Courts admits he'd love to bring the midfielder to Tannadice to bolster his side ahead of next season, having identified him already in his previous role at the club.
He said: "Jake is someone who was part of the opposition and future recruitment work we did.
"We highly recommended Jake to the club.
“I think he fits the profile of the type of player we like at the club. He is on an upward trajectory and he is highly ambitious.
"There has been dialogue there but we are at the early stages of that just now."
