And Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan confirmed he was in the market for a provider ahead of the new season after watching his side draw 1-1 with Irish outfit Athlone Town.

Boyd was Boro’s scorer and, speaking after the game, Strachan told reporters improving service to the SPL’s all-time leading scorer was his immediate priority.

And, while he refused to name Conway directly, he did admit a player with “natural width” was at the top of his shopping-list — a description that fits United’s tricky winger perfectly.

“It was nice to see Kris Boyd getting off the mark tonight,” said Strachan.

“But it’ll be a lot better when we improve the service to him. We don’t have anyone with natural width at the moment, so solving that problem is something I’m looking at.”

United chairman Steven Thompson today confirmed an approach had been made, saying, “There has been official contact from Middlesbrough and we are currently in discussions with them about Craig Conway.”

It is understood the Championship title hopefuls, who have already spent just under £5 million this summer, have asked United what figure it would take to prise Scotland international Conway away from Tannadice.

The answer was in excess of £1 million.

Conway is due to go out of contract next summer, and potential suitors could pick him up for free at the end of this season.

However, United will be looking to secure as healthy a pay-day as possible for a player because of a 20% sell-on clause with his former club Ayr United.

Boss Peter Houston echoed his chairman’s assertion that contact had been made, but added he would prefer to hang on to Conway.

He said, “I’d like to keep all the players — I’ve said that many times.

“It’s a fact of life that bids will come in, though, and it’s also a fact of life that, if they’re big enough, we’ll have to accept them.

“So if Middlesbrough want to talk to Dundee United about Craig Conway, they’ll have to make a bid that’s judged appropriate by the club.

“I don’t know what’s been offered, or indeed if anything’s been offered. As I understand it, it’s just been talks at this point. But the figure that was quoted earlier in the week, £550,000, is nowhere near being realistic for the boy.”

It’s understood Conway will play today in United’s closed-door game against Falkirk.

East Fife are looking to maintain their unbeaten pre-season run when they welcome a Dundee United XI. tonight.

While it may only be friendlies his side have been playing, manager Stevie Crawford is delighted his players have scored 18 goals in just four pre-season fixtures.

“The boys get a lot of confidence from hitting the back of the net and that will put a spring in their step,” Stevie said.

Admission prices for tonight’s game (7.45) are £5/£2.

A series of trialists have gone through Dens Park this summer, none of whom has fit the bill so far.

There was further disappointment for Chis on Saturday when former Bolton, Port Vale and Livingston man, Jason Talbot, revealed after playing against Arbroath that he’d already had an offer from an English League Two side.

The manager refuses to be rushed, though, maintaining there’s no immediate hurry.

“I’ve got a couple of boys coming in this week, but I’m not going to find out exactly what’s happening till later in the week. So I can’t say whether there’ll be players in for the weekend or not,” he said.

“As for the trialists we’ve had in so far, Gary Irvine’s the only one who’s still here. He’s actually got a wee hamstring strain at the moment and he’s in getting treatment.

“He’s one I like. He had a good season for St Johnstone when they were promoted, so we know what he’s capable of.

“We’re just going to wait and see though. Again, I’m not going to be rushed into making decisions.”

He added, “It would be nice just to say ‘I want that player’ and be able to go and get him rather than having to bring boys in on trial and see if they’re what we’re looking for, but it hasn’t worked like that.

“The targets we’ve got are the kind of players that don’t go out on trial. I’m just trying to be as thorough as I can.

“Obiously we want to do well in the cups, but the league’s the priority, so that gives me that little bit of time so I don’t have to rush into anything.”

Prices for Dundee’s first-round Alba Challenge Cup meeting against Alloa on Saturday at Dens are £12/£6. Only the Bobby Cox and Main Stand will be open. Season tickets are not valid.

A Dundee XI. face Violet at Glenesk tonight (6.45).

Add to that the fact the six times capped Scotland player heard good things about the club and Perth itself and it was ‘McDiarmid Park here I come’.

“I’m delighted to be at Saints,” said Workington-born Scott, who qualifies for Scotland through Scottish grandparents.

“Saints manager Derek McInnes was captain of West Brom when I was there and I was very impressed with his leadership.”

Scott’s time at The Hawthorns included two stints in the Premiership and he scored in England’s top league.

Now he’s looking to net in the SPL.

“The gaffer has told me he wants me to add to what Saints have already and that’s what I aim to do.

“I’ve settled in well at McDiarmid and am looking forward to the season.”

It was under Berti Vogts that Scott was capped and he’s played under other well known names including Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins at Millwall, Gary Megson at West Brom and Nottingham Forest and Colin Calderwood at Forest.

And Scott added, “This is my first taste of Scottish football. I’m 32 soon and a good start would be a nice birthday present.”