Killie eye up Russell and Skelton

Russell and Skelton have talked with Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock are in interested in signing Airdrie United striker Allan Russell and Gretna midfielder Gavin Skelton.

And manager Jim Jefferies is also hoping to persuade midfielder Mehdi Taouil to accept a new contract.

Killie just missed out on signing Russell in January but reportedly now face competition from Dundee United.

Jefferies said: "We've had a couple of discussions with Allan's agent and we'll just need to wait and see if he wants to come to us."

Skelton is poised to leave Gretna following their relegation from the Scottish Premier League.

"Skelton can play just about anywhere down the left side," said Jefferies.

Mehdi would love to stay, but we can only do so much with our budget Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies

"He has one or two other offers, but he called the other day to say he wanted another chat.

"But we're nowhere near concluding anything. We simply wanted to see what his plans were and what he was like."

Taouil has been impressive since arriving at Rugby Park following the Moroccan's release by Montpellier.

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"He has had two or three offers, but the lad is keen to stay," said Jefferies.

"But I have laid it on the line we can only do so much with our budget.

"He knows he's at a stage where, if he plays well for a couple of years, he'll get a big club anyway and he could get back on the international scene."