Swansea City, Celtic, Rangers and Sunderland have been dealt a transfer blow after it emerged Dundee United have made an offer to prolific striker Lawrence Shankland.
The free agent, who left Ayr United at the end of the season, is a wanted man after bagging 34 goals in all competitions in the Scottish second division last term.
He is being tracked by several sides, with Swansea's links dating back to last summer, with Ayr's chairman confirming their interest.
He is a boyhood Rangers fan, with both Old Firm clubs tracking him, as well as Championship outfit Hull.
Black Cats boss Jack Ross worked with the 23-year-old while at St Mirren.
But it is another Scottish side who have made their interest official.
“We are in talks with Shankland’s representatives and we have made an offer to come to Dundee United,” sporting director Tony Asghar confirmed .
“We see Lawrence as a top player and we want him to be part of our Championship challenge and beyond.
“We know Lawrence is very much a player in demand and has a lot of offers elsewhere and we are hopeful things will come to a conclusion, either way, very quickly.”
Swansea are on the lookout for further firepower this summer to provide competition for star forward Oli McBurnie.
The Scotland striker, who registered 24 goals last season for Swansea, is also being monitored by Sheffield United and Brighton.
