Raith allow Dundee United to speak to Ray McKinnon about becoming new manager

Dundee United have been given permission to speak to Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon about becoming their new manager after a compensation figure was agreed, the Championship club have announced.

The relegated Premiership side made their move for their former midfielder on Saturday after Rovers had lost their Premiership play-off to Hibernian 2-1 on aggregate.

The Kirkcaldy club, however, quickly announced they had rebuffed the approach but tonight it appeared that McKinnon could be set to take over from Mixu Paatelainen, who was sacked on Wednesday following their relegation.

A statement on Rovers' official website read: Having rejected an initial compensation offer made by Dundee United FC earlier today, an increased offer has now been accepted which allows our manager Ray McKinnon to meet with United chairman Stephen Thompson.''

Chief executive Eric Drysdale said: The RRFC board met pre-match at Easter Road yesterday. Raith Rovers supporters should also be aware that chairman Alan Young and I have met with Ray on Thursday, post-match yesterday and again this afternoon and we are doing all we feasibly can to retain the services of our manager.

However, we understand that Ray wants to listen to what Dundee United have to say and we have agreed to allow this, having reached agreement on a compensation figure should United offer him the post and Ray accepts.''