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.