Robson going nowhere - Dundee Utd

By Clive Lindsay

Robson's fine form led to a first international cap for Scotland

Dundee United have vowed to fight to hold on to captain Barry Robson and insisted that there have been no concrete approaches for the player.

Sunday newspaper reports suggested that the midfielder was set to join Celtic.

But United chairman Eddie Thompson told BBC Sport: "We see Barry as part of the future of Dundee United Football Club.

"If any other parties wish to approach, they should know that we won't be easy to deal with and Barry Robson won't be going anywhere cheaply."

Robson has been with the Scottish Premier League outfit since joining from Inverness Caledonian Thistle for £50,000 in 2003.

The 29-year-old has blossomed under manager Craig Levein, being particularly effective when moved into central midfield from the left wing.

People might say that he is getting on a bit, but he is very, very fit and has years to go in his career Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson

That led to his first international cap, in a friendly against South Africa, in August.

And now he has been linked with a £1.25m move to Celtic, while there has also been reported interest from Burnley and Leicester City.

"We have a valuation of Barry," said Thompson, who denied there was a clause in the player's contract allowing Robson to leave for less than £1m.

"But it is a lot higher than the figures being bandied about in the media.

"People might say that he is getting on a bit, but he is very, very fit and has years to go in his career.

"He is our captain, was instrumental in our good start to the season until injury and suspension disrupted that and has the kind of ability from free-kicks that is difficult to find."

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Meanwhile, Thompson confirmed that United hope to have three new signings available to make their debuts against Hearts on Wednesday.

Eric Odhiambo, an 18-year-old striker, will join on loan from Leicester City until the end of the season.

Left-back Danny Grainger, 21, has been bought from SPL rivals Gretna for a fee believed to be more than £30,000.

And United have spent slightly more than that in bringing in 20-year-old winger Danny Swanson from Second Division outfit Berwick Rangers.