Dundee United face a fight to land Stephen O’Donnell.
The Scotland international is out-of-contract at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old is on the radar of United head coach Robbie Neilson.
O’Donnell already has a lucrative contract renewal on the table from Kilmarnock but also has interest from several English clubs.
Neilson and sporting director Tony Asghar have started to target players as they prepare to return to the Premiership.
Oxford United tried to do a pre-contract in January but couldn’t get a deal agreed.
They remain interested as do several English Championship sides who know they could get an international defender for free.
O’Donnell has previously had a spell in England with Luton Town.
Dunfermline Athletic striker Kevin Nisbet is another target although he remains under contract and would command a six figure transfer fee.
