United are offering Riordan Ell of a move moveLeeds United are hoping the draw of Elland Road will allow them to pull off the signing of Celtic striker Derek Riordan.
The 25-year-old is on United's list of summer targets and manager Gary McAllister will use the prospect of promotion to the Championship next season to persuade Riordan to step into League One.
Riordan is on the books of Scottish Premier League champions Celtic and has another year to run on his contract, but he is keen to leave the club after a frustrating spell in Glasgow.
The former Hibernian trainee has not played in a competitive fixture since March and made his most recent league start in December.
His appearances have totalled 32 since his transfer from Easter Road in 2006, and the opportunity of a switch to Leeds would be welcomed by Riordan if United decided to make a firm approach.
Celtic held out for a £1m fee as a number of clubs circled over Riordan in January and they are likely to look for a similar sum from interested managers this summer.
Burnley saw a bid of £400,000 rejected in January, but the Championship side are believed to be pursuing Riordan again and will compete with United for the forward's signature. It is likely, however, that Riordan would opt for a move to Leeds over a transfer to Turf Moor.
Leeds' interest in Riordan may prove more realistic than their bold attempt to sign Kevin Phillips, who is out of contract at West Brom and considering his next move.
United have been offered Barry Nicholson, who is close to the end of his contract at SPL club Aberdeen, but McAllister is not believed to be interested in taking on the 29-year-old midfielder.
Nicholson has been capped three times by Scotland and would be available on a free transfer, but United have numerous central midfielders in their squad and are unlikely to bring the former Rangers trainee on board.
YEPhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Riordan