Dundee United boss Peter Houston has confirmed Middlesbrough have shown interest in some of his players.

Reports last week suggested Boro manager Gordon Strachan had approached the Scottish club regarding defender Garry Kenneth, midfielder Morgaro Gomis and winger Craig Conway.

And Houston admits Strachan has expressed interest in some players, but is yet to follow up his informal enquiry.
Interest

"Gordon did phone me to mention the fact that he liked a couple of our players. I won't mention the players," said Houston.

"Gordon said he was going to be talking to his board and, if he gets the money he is looking for, one or two of our players might be on his radar.

"That was a long time ago and I have not heard anything."

Houston has agreed to the idea of parting ways with one star this summer if suitable compensation is paid to the Scottish Cup winners.

But the manager is looking to retain the majority of his key players and bolster his central defence after losing Lee Wilkie to injury and Rangers loan player Andy Webster.

Strengthen

"I have spoken to the chairman about it," Houston said. "Dundee United are like every SPL club - and I include the Old Firm in that - we have to balance the books.

"If we sell one player a year for £2million then (chairman) Stephen Thompson would be delighted with that. But nobody has made a bid or enquiries other than Gordon just having a wee chat with me.

"Speculation is always going to happen with a team that has done particularly well.

"One thing I would say is that I don't think there will be three or four leaving. We lost Andy Webster but we knew that was going to happen.

"I'm actively looking to bring people into the club but if one goes and we get big money then it will keep the chairman happy and it's up to me to replace that player."