KuPS sporting director Jonne Lindblom has admitted Dundee United are among a string of teams who are tracking new Finnish star Ilmari Niskanen.

The Premiership new boys have the £250,000 winger amongst their list of summer targets.

Lindblom has confirmed several clubs are looking at Niskanen who he rates as the best player in Finland and expects him to be part of his country’s national squad at next summer’s European Championships.

Lindblom said: “I believe Ilmari is a player Dundee United have highlighted.

“They have an interest in him but there is nothing more than that at this stage.

“There has been no offer or discussions between the clubs as it stands.

“A number of clubs like Ilmari and are looking at him.

“It is not a surprise because he is one of our best players and one of the top players in the Finnish league.

“Before the Coronavirus he was called up by the Finnish national team for the matches against France and Poland.

“I believe there is a very good chance that he will be in the Finnish team that goes to next year’s Euros as well.

“It is just a matter of time before he leaves Finnish football for Europe.”

Lindblom previously worked as an agent and worked on a number of deals in Scotland. His company helped bring Alfredo Morelos from HJK Helsinki to Rangers and he has brought Henrik Ojamaa and Henri Anier across for their various spells in Scotland.

Lindblom is in no doubt Niskanen is also good enough to make his name in Scotland and has already shown he has the will to go all the way to the top.

Lindblom explained: “He had some health issues as a teenager and that is the only reason why he is still playing football in Finland just now at the age of 23.

“He had brain surgery as a teenager. After that not many people thought he would play football again.

"Ilmari was out for a long time but he is a fighter and he is now making great improvements and is a very talented player.”

Dundee United have a list of summer targets that Robbie Neilson and sporting director Tony Asghar have identified, including Dunfermline Athletic striker Kevin Nisbet and several other proven Premiership players.

United star Lawrence Shankland was linked with Stoke and Nottingham Forest yesterday but United are not looking to sell their top scorer.