Why former Sheffield United star Jamie Murphy could be keeping a close on their friendly with Dundee United

Murphy is among a number of players thought to have been made available for transfer by Rangers as Steven Gerrard plots an overhaul of his first team squad.

The Scotland international, who has spent the past two years at Ibrox, is believed to be surplus to requirements in Glasgow after recovering from a serious injury which saw him miss almost all of the 2018/19 season.

Micky Mellon, the Dundee United manager, is understood to be keen on the idea of luring Murphy to Tayside and could firm-up his interest following the meeting with Chris Wilder’s team.

Now aged 30, Murphy scored 21 goals in 122 appearances for United after joining them from Motherwell in January 2013. Sold to Brighton and Hove Albion two years later, he helped them win promotion from the Championship before joining Rangers, initially on loan, midway through the 2017/18 campaign. But three months after agreeing a permanent deal with the club he has supported since childhood, Murphy ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament - only returning to action in October last year. With opportunities proving limited under Gerrard, he was loaned to Burton and has yet to feature for Rangers since competition resumed following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mellon also faces a decision whether or not to select Lawrence Shankland for the meeting with Wilder’s squad after it was claimed Guingamp want to take the striker to France.

“I think it’s good that players are linked,” Mellon said, brushing off speculation about Shankland’s future ahead of last weekend’s defeat by Celtic. “That means they are good players but we’ve had zero contact.”

Shankland, who has returned to training following a fitness issue of his own, did not feature as Dundee United were beaten 1-0 by the reigning Scottish champions; conceding in the 83rd minute despite impressing with their combative spirit and creativity.

“I’m pleased with my players and very frustrated at not getting something from the game,” Mellon acknowledged afterwards.

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