Jack Ross still wants to strengthen his Dundee United squad further once they tie up the signing of Australian international Aziz Behich. United sporting director Tony Asghar is in talks to finalise a deal for the 31-year-old right back, who has just left Giresunspor.
The Tannadice club are looking to close a deal before the weekend trip to Kilmarnock, although Behich is unlikely to be involved because he will need to wait for a work permit to be issued. United have brought in fellow Socceroo Mark Birighitti as well as Steven Fletcher and Craig Sibbald this summer and brought Dylan Levitt and Ian Harkes back to the club.
Ross also wants to add another midfielder and another attacking option. The United boss said: “I have spoken a lot about getting depth into the squad and we are getting there. The ones we have brought in so far have been good ones and hopefully we can add a few more as well. Once we get that, we’ll be nearly there in terms of depth and quality.
“To compete where we want to be in the league we need to have that. Going into the first week of the season I still think we have work to do on that front because we do need more. “
United have made contact with Rangers over a couple of their players, including Glenn Middleton, but he is not currently a priority in the front area.
"When you are vocal in saying you want to strengthen the squad you will get linked with players,” the United boss stated. "I spoke about wanting to get as many attacking options as I can. Other than that, there’s nothing in it.”
Dundee United’s scouting staff will take in Tuzla City’s second leg with AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch side have a 1-0 lead, with the winners due to take on United in the next round.
Ross has insisted that is very much on the back burner and all the focus is on Killie. He claimed: “The European games have not even entered our heads because all the focus has been on the Kilmarnock game.
“All the preparation and the messaging has been geared towards Rugby Park. I experienced Europe last season so I know there’s no sense having one eye on those games.
“They are a complete irrelevance until the Kilmarnock game is over. Europe hasn’t been mentioned, it’s all about Saturday and getting a result.
“You have to keep the focus on each game as it stands, we can look at our European opponents after Saturday. Once the game next Thursday is done, we will then look at Livi before even thinking about the second leg.
“That’s the way it’s got to be because it’s challenging and you have to take it one at a time. My focus is totally on Kilmarnock and the players’ focus is the same.”
United have warmed up with games against Sunderland and Fleetwood and Ross has been pleased with the direction his squad is going. “I have been delighted with what the players already here have given me so far,” Ross insisted. I felt the performance against Fleetwood was a step up on the Sunderland game, so there has been incremental improvement.
“I thought we were really good down there, the group is an honest group and they have shown the quality they have. In pre-season you want to build it up, get the performances improving as the games go on.
“So what I have seen so far has pleased me, we have looked stronger with each game and there has been a real willingness to do what we have asked of them. I have enjoyed watching them because I can see the progression they’ve made.”
