Dundee United have sent out a clear ‘hands off’ warning to clubs keen on a move for reported Nottingham Forest target Lawrence Shankland.
The Reds were linked with the striker last summer and speculation resurfaced in the January transfer window.
Reports in May then emerged claiming Forest faced a ‘tug of war’ with Championship rivals Stoke City for his signature.
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Dundee sporting director Tony Ashgar has previously said he is braced for bids for the 24-year-old this summer after his haul of 28 goals in 33 games.
But boss Micky Mellon has said he will not allow decisions to be made which leave his team worse off - including selling their star player.
“He deserves to be spoken about as being a top player for Dundee United because he’s been brilliant for us,” he told The Herald.
“Dundee United will do nothing that stops Dundee United getting better.
“Every question that will get flung at us in terms of the players, or decisions that have to be made about the club, will end with: does it make Dundee United better?
“Nothing will happen here that doesn’t make Dundee United better, I can assure you of that.
“The owner won’t allow that to happen, Tony Asghar won’t allow that to happen and I certainly won’t. You don’t build a good team by getting rid of your best players.”
Shankland’s goals helped fire the Scottish side to the Championship title last term.
He put pen to paper on a three-year deal when he made the move from Ayr United 12 months ago.
