Dundee United Link-Up With Ukranian Club Shakhtar Donetsk 'Highly Unlikely'

Scottish Premiership side Dundee United "played down the possibility of a link-up with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk after Manager Mixu Paatelainen confirmed an approach," according to Brian McLauchlin of the BBC. A United spokesperson said that "it is highly unlikely a deal will happen." The approach came from a third party and is "one of a number the club receive throughout the season." Paatelainen said, "We have not taken it any further yet, but I have to say it is a very luring prospect." The United manager said that it was suggested that "it could lead to some young United players heading east, with some Shakhtar players coming to Tannadice." Shakhtar is based in the city of Donetsk. Paatelainen: "Shakhtar Donetsk are a major force in European football and have fantastic players, experienced players and young players. If there was a working relationship with a top club like Shaktar Donetsk, I think it would be beneficial for the club, but it is at a very early stage at the moment" (BBC, 12/29).