Jackie McNamara hoping for Gary Mackay-Steven stay

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has said that he wants to keep winger Gary Mackay-Steven at the club.

Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old Scotland international.

McNamara has admitted that a sizeable bid could force his hand.

"It's part and parcel [given the] player's ability," he told Sky Sports News.

"Johnny Russell left there going into his last year, which we had to do. We couldn't afford not to. That's the nature of the business. The club has a selling point if players aren't going to sign new contracts.

"Fortunately Gary has two years to go so it puts us in a stronger position. Speculation means he is doing things properly and doing well, so long may it continue."

Mackay-Steven is under contract at Tannadice until 2015.