Dundee United have confirmed that they have made an inquiry about bringing Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon to the club as their new manager.

United parted company with Mixu Paatelainen earlier this week after their relegation from the Scottish Premiership was confirmed following a defeat to local rivals Dundee.

McKinnon quickly emerged as the club's first choice to replace Paatelainen, and after Raith's playoff campaign ended with defeat to Hibernian on Saturday the Tannadice outfit made an official approach to Rovers.

"Dundee United have made an official approach to Raith Rovers to seek permission to speak to their manager Ray McKinnon about the vacant managerial position at Tannadice Park," read a statement from the club.

McKinnon was appointed Raith manager in May of last year.