Dundee United granted permission to speak to Ray McKinnon

Raith Rovers' manager Ray McKinnon is wanted by Dundee United. Picture: SNS

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 Ladbrokes 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 last night it appeared that McKinnon could be set to take over from Mixu Paatelainen, who was sacked on Wednesday following United’s 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 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.”

Meanwhile, Raith Rovers midfielder Lewis Toshney admits McKinnon is the perfect fit for United and the Dundonian knows Tannadice will hold a tremendous attraction for his manager.

“I honestly don’t know what’s happening on whether the gaffer is going to go or not,” said Toshney.

“He has done a brilliant job here. No one expected us to get to the play-offs in the first place.

“He knows players inside out and obviously he played for Dundee United. He’s the best manager I’ve ever worked under. He’s been brilliant for me and I’m sure the rest of the boys would say that as well.”