Scottish Premiership side Dundee United "have been offered the chance to become a feeder club" for Ukrainian Premier League side Shakhtar Donetsk, according to Gavin Berry of the Scotland DAILY RECORD. But "the Taysiders are playing down reports in Ukraine that an ambitious link-up could be imminent." It has been claimed the clubs were in "advanced talks" over an official partnership with discussions having taken place. A Tannadice source said, "This is very premature and a long way off. No talks have taken place directly between the clubs at all." United is "believed to have cooled on the idea after the initial approach from a third party" given the club's position at the foot of the Scottish Premiership. However, it is something "that could be revived in the summer and any deal could see the Tangerines land some top talent from the Champions League regulars and the 2009 UEFA Cup winners." Shakhtar "boast a successful academy and want to establish a partnership with a European club" to offer some of its youngsters first team experience (DAILY RECORD, 12/27).
