Mixu Paatelainen remains optimistic defender John Souttar will pen new deal
Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen is optimistic that John Souttar will sign a new contract despite the club's offer being withdrawn.
With his deal expiring in the summer, the 19-year-old is free to speak to other clubs over a summer move and both Celtic and Rangers have been linked with the versatile defender.
But Paatelainen believes Souttar, who has made more than 70 first-team appearances, is best placed to continue his development at Tannadice and expects negotiations to be revived.
"Far too much has been said about the situation,'' the Finn said.
"These situations happen all the time. It's not only John Souttar, it's not only Dundee United, it's every club. "The contract was on the table for a long period, then nothing happened from the other side so it was taken off the table.
"Talks are ongoing and the feeling from both parties is that John stays here. And we will come to that conclusion.
"It's part of the negotiations and part of getting to that solution and signing that contract. Sometimes it's a straight road, sometimes there are a few bends. We will get there. "Both the player and the club are willing to get that contract. John is a Dundee United boy and he wants to do everything for the club. He is determined to stay here and fight for the cause. It's a positive problem."
The United board have sold Ryan Gauld, Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong, Andy Robertson and Nadir Ciftci over the past 18 months and the impasse over Souttar's new deal means they might be tempted to cash in this month rather than take a risk over a compensation fee in the summer.
But Souttar could be more valuable in United's fight to overturn an 11-point deficit at the foot of the Premiership table and Paatelainen is not concerned over the player's ability to speak to potential suitors.
He said: "I have no fears because it can happen so what's the point in fearing it? Any club can come in for any of our players and take them away for lots of money. Any player can go at any moment. But there's no problem.
"I trust we will come to a conclusion and John will stay here and develop here because I feel he is in good hands. He is a young player still and he plays every week. We want to keep him and John wants to stay here."