Swap Deal Between United & Aberdeen?

Dundee United manager Craig Levein has been very honest about his intention to sign a goal scorer before the transfer window closes.

However, there seems to be continuous speculation linking Dundee United with a move for any and every available striker at the moment and it`s starting to become a joke.

Today, Levein is being linked with Aberdeen attacker Steve Lovell - with Stuart Duff rumoured to be heading in the opposite direction.

Aberdeen born Stuart Duff is likely to struggled to hold down a permanent 1st team spot this season, likely to be called upon mainly as back-up when the injuries start to hit home.

25-year-old Duff has been playing as cover for Christian Kalvenes during the pre-season, but with Kalvness returning from injury, he`ll probably be on the bench for many of United`s forthcoming matches.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has even admitted trying to sign Stuart Duff in the past, but has denied there are negotiations involving to bring the defensive midfielder to Pittodrie, with Lovell going in the opposite direction.

"It's nonsense to even suggest we would be interested in exchanging Steve Lovell for Stuart Duff - I don't mean anything against Stuart because he is a very good player," confessed Calderwood.

"I even tried to sign Stuart a wee while ago but not involving a swap. He's a versatile lad but signing Lee Mair has ruled out any hope of that happening."

'Steve is a very dangerous striker and is a major part of our plans - He's as fit as he has been in three years since he's been at the club."

"He is desperate to break into the team and was disappointed not to start but he's shown a great attitude in training despite being left on the bench against Dundee United."

"Steve has at the best pre-season since he signed for Aberdeen - He's going nowhere."

Meanwhile, Levein is set to make a decision tomorrow about the future of Belgian International Cedric Roussel.

Roussel is currently on trial at Tannadice with the view to securing a loan until the end of the season, with the terms of a potential loan deal already agreed between Dundee United and his Italian club Brescia.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!