Dundee Utd consider African duo

Franck Matingou has now left Bastia

Dundee United could make a double African swoop despite having been thwarted in their attempt to sign Zambia midfielder Chris Katongo.

Zimbabwe striker Brian Badza has arrived at Tannadice on trial.

The 27-year-old, who has played in Europe with Belgians Germinal Beerschot but recently left Caps United in his homeland, was training with Kilmarnock.

And United have rekindled their interest in Congo midfielder Franck Matingou, now released by Bastia.

United had hoped to sign Matingou last month after a successful trial.

But the 26-year-old's French club demanded a transfer fee.

However, the midfielder has since returned to France, secured his release and is expected back at Tannadice.

The Scottish Premier League club will be hoping for better luck this time from their ventures into the African market.

United had verbablly agreed a fee with Jomo Cosmos and negotiated personal terms with Katongo before the South African club failed to finalise the deal before Thursday's closure of the transfer window.

Meantime, 20-year-old defender Stuart Abbot has been released from his contract to allow him to pursue a full time university degree course.

And player-manager Craig Brewster expects to make his return from time out with a shoulder injury in Tuesday's reserve game against Dunfermline Athletic at East End Park.