| The Tangerines are the Scotland Under-21 international’s preferred option — Kilmarnock are also bidders — and an offer for him from Tannadice will be discussed at a meeting of the Dens Park board this evening.
After that, the Dark Blues will give their neighbours an answer, but, today, it is looking increasing likely that, one way or another, Dixon will be a United player next season.
From United boss Craig Levein’s point of view, the ideal scenario would be a swift and amicable conclusion.
And, having been told by the player that he will not be renewing his contract, where Dixon ends up is of little consequence to Alex Rae, just so long as his club get the compensation to which they are entitled.
Officials on both sides of Tannadice Street will not reveal the kind of money being discussed, but a figure of £25,000 has been mentioned.
“I have spoken to (Dundee chief executive) Dave MacKinnon and he has said he will get back to me later, so the picture should be clearer then,” said Craig.
“I can’t say what Dundee’s answer will be, so, right now, there is not much point looking any further forward, but, obviously, with these situations it is much better if clubs can agree a price.
“If things end up at a transfer tribunal, it can lead to a degree of animosity, which happened to us last year with Craig Conway and Ayr United.
“That not something I want because I have a good relationship with Dundee and I get on very well with Alex Rae, in particular.”
Craig did concede the lack of personal ties to the historical rivalry between the clubs made the deal simpler for the two managers and that might not be the case for others with longer standing connections to Dens or Tannadice.
That there is a swift resolution to the matter is also in Dundee’s interests. To retain their right to compensation, they have to continue to pay wages to the out-of-contract defender and, if a tribunal was required, by the time a date was fixed that could cost a four-figure sum.
Also on tonight’s agenda will be whether or not the pursuit of Chris Innes and Robert Snodgrass should be continued.
Given the apparent reluctance of both to put pen to paper on deals they’d already agreed, it could be that Alex Rae’s player search will switch to other options. |
